MiniDebConf Portugal 2023
I've been a Debian user for a long time, but I've always sought (and felt the lack of) some sort of impulse to be more involved with Debian. Part of it, I suppose, was the lack of someone 'closer' (not necessarily, but also physically close) following the same path, or pushing in the same direction... Anyway, once in a while I did find some opportunities to do something about it: in 2008 I helped organize Tecnonov 2008 where not only we had a Debian Developer talking about the project, we also had a key-signing party (and I got my now expired key signed by the DD in question). The year later, I went to Aveiro for Debian Day PT 2009, but... well, that was so long ago that the t-shirt I've got there has already been recycled!
It was thanks to Ubucon Europe 2019 in Sintra that I've learned for the first time that there was an ongoing attempt to being DebianDay to Portugal... and finally, in 2023, a "local test" is being organized, a MiniDebConf in Lisbon that will, hopefully, also serve as a step towards a future DebConf in Portugal.
I have to confess, the younger me of ten, or the even younger me of twenty years ago would be a lot more excited with this, but still, it is finally happening, so how could I not attend? So here I am: with time off taken from work, hotel room reserved, ready for a week of Debian (and more generically free software) along likeminded individuals. I've even decided to contribute more actively and give a talk and a workshop...
It starts already this sunday, and it lasts until thursday. See you there?
tags: debian, debianday, tecnonov, minidebconf, lisbon, aveiro, debconf, events, portugal, ubucon, talk, workshop, Free-Software, en
Breve Introdução ao git, gitlab e github
Todos os anos em Outubro acontece o Hacktoberfest: um evento que funciona como um concurso, em que se incentiva e promove a colaboração em projectos de Software Livre.
Tal como no ano passado, a ANSOL está a promover e facilitar a participação ao Hacktoberfest, apoio esse que vai ser pontuado com alguns eventos ao longo do mês.
Para começar, vou amanhã (dia 13 de Outubro, às 22h) fazer uma apresentação introdutória sobre git, ferramenta que é utilizada no Hacktoberfest, ainda que maioritariamente focando na sua utilização nas plataformas gitlab ou github - que são as usadas no evento.
Assim, estão todos convidados a assistir a esta pequena apresentação online e gratuita, mesmo que não tenham interesse em depois participar no Hacktoberfest.
tags: ANSOL, git, gitlab, github, hactoberfest, presentation, Free-Software, pt
Happy 20th birthday, ANSOL!
Today we celebrated the 20th anniversary of ANSOL, the Portuguese Free Software Association. It has been an honor to be part of the history of this still young association, and here's hope for an active 20 years more - I'll gladly celebrate its 40th!
In these past 20 years, ANSOL worked on many issues, but if I had to highlight 3, I'd point out:
- the fight against Software Patents in Europe - which stopped (or stalled?) software patents;
- the Open Standards Law in Portugal - ahead of the curve;
- the Portuguese anti-DRM law.
But there are many more challenges ahead... and our victories aren't closed books.
- The Unified Patent Court in Europe is about to become a reality, and with it Software Patents;
- The Open Standards Law in Portugal exists, but in practice it is isn't being actually applied;
- And while we have a good protection against DRM in law (as far as we can within the EU, thanks to InfoSoc), there is now a covert attempt to water it down.
So, what now? Well, there is plenty to do: we should ensure we don't loose the Freedoms we have achieved, and we should strive to get those we still didn't get.
There is plenty more to do, and you can help.
If you're in Portugal, join ANSOL. If you're in Europe, FSFE will appreciate your contribution. If you're in Latin America, here's your link. In India, join here. Based in North America, with worldwide mission, there's FSF.
Of course, as we could see in those who have joined ANSOL in today's celebration, there is plenty beyond the realm of software. Consider getting to know Wikimedia Portugal or the Wikimedia Foundation, Direitos Digitais in Portugal and EDRI in Europe or EFF overseas.
Let's shape the future, together.
tags: ANSOL, Free-Software, Digital-Rights, en