[Reader-list] Hindu Report : Software vending machine at Technopark

[Anivar Aravind]

http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/03/stories/2008090356150300.htm

*Software vending machine at Technopark*

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: And you thought only colas and crispies can be had from
a vending machine? How about one that has on its 'menu' such things as
'Ubuntu' and 'Fedora'? Well, that is just the kind of gizmo that you may
spot if you drop by the Park Centre at Technopark these days.

Named Freedom Toaster, this machine promises to set you 'free' from
proprietary software and paraphernalia such as licences. All you have to do
at the Toaster is to insert a CD in a slot and press the right buttons. The
Toaster will then 'burn' your choice on to the CD free.

The Toaster, a dispenser of free software, is the brainchild of the Linux
Users Group in Thiruvananthapuram and a private firm, Zyxware Technologies.

Anoop John, chief executive officer of the company, says the idea is to
spread the concept of free software among the techies of Tehnopark.

"We want people to understand that there is an alternative to licences and
proprietary software. We want people to have the freedom to share, to copy
and to modify. We are now talking to companies in the Technopark to sponsor
the Toaster at various locations inside the park," Mr. John says.

He points out that normally, free software is spread through broadband
Internet. In a country such as India, the scope of this is still limited.
This is where a software dispenser such as the Toaster assumes importance.
So, the freedom associated with free software works in two ways — one, the
freedom to study, copy, share, modify and so on and two, the freedom from a
price tag as many popular free software come free of cost.

Mr. John says Zyxware will soon publish the details of the design and
software that powers the Toaster so that anyone interested in building one
will be free to do so.

One advantage of the Toaster is that it can be dismantled and transported
with ease anywhere. The Toaster will be lent to Linux users groups across
the country, if needed.

The Toaster was unveiled at the inaugural ceremony of a five-day Linux
Install Fest inaugurated at the Technopark on Monday.