[Staffslug] Fwd: Rae On-line 2012

with re-cycled PCs and GNU/Linux in Manchester: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <des(a)greenh.co.uk&gt; Hi there, I'm writing as per the guidance above as I think this may be of interest to many UK Lugmasters. It's about the Race Online 2012 - an in initiative to get 9 million people on-line who aren't at present. The pilots which ran at the beginning of the year were about getting recycled PCs pre-loaded with Linux out to people. Since then the usual players have got involved and it's looking like becoming a well publicised roll-out under the MAR scheme. I've spoken to the chap responsible for the 'technical' side of things in the scheme and he agrees that the key part to making the scheme work (and be sustainable) is that people who are getting computers and going on-line for the first time need help and support with every part of that process, not just being handed old PCs with a 'free' copy of Windows on it and a broadband connection discounted for a few months. The LUGs around the country could be a great help in a scheme like this. Also, the chap at the office seemed to understand that if LUG members were to be involved they would probably want to help people with Linux PCs, not ones loaded with other software. Importantly, they don't seem to have a problem with this. It would also give the LUGs countrywide promotion to a large chunk of the mainstream, general public. So, do you think this may be of interest? If not, thanks for taking the time to read this! If so, what do you think would be a good way to progress? If someone wants to contact me to discuss this further I can be reached at des(a)greenh.co.uk or on 07970 95 00 70. Hope to hear from you soon Thanks and best regards, Des Gregory --