Free Software at the Local Library?

DoraLives asks: "I live in a small town in East Central Florida, nearly in the shadow of the launch pads at Cape Canaveral. People generally expect that a place like this would be quite technologically advanced. Unfortunately, this isn't always true, and a case in point is the local library. They have a nice collection of CD's, and you might think you'd see Free Software CD's on the rack right next to Frank Zappa, Duke Ellington, and Bach. Think again, no such thing obtains here, or in any of the other libraries hereabouts." Aside from Linux and BSD install discs, what other pieces of software might make good items for the software section in your local public library? "I went and talked to the director of the local library about having them provide a Knoppix disk or something similar to those unfortunates, who cannot afford a high speed internet connection to download and burn their own copies. Mr. Director seemed quite unaware as to the entire concept of Free Software and asked me to provide him with a 'list of this free software,' for his review. So, as part of my research into what's available out there, I thought I'd run this one past the users of Slashdot and see what they might recommend by way of operating systems, utilities, applications, and all the rest of the free stuff that's available for download and burning, that would make good items for the shelves of a lending library.

Methinks the inhabitants of my little burg would be tickled to find out that the entire computing world is NOT owned by a corporation in Washington state. I further think that this could be a fine way to get the word, and the actual software, out to the masses. Am I right? Can Slashdot help me with Mr. Director's need for information so he can make an informed decision."

Comments

Everything's free at my library.

[Neil Blender]

I just put it my backpack and then make like a tree and leave.

Licensing

[Anonymous Coward]

I doubt many public libraries can afford the $699 license fee required for Linux.

Re:Licensing

[FattMattP]

That doesn't matter. Soon SCO won't be able to afford the paper to print those invoices anyway.

Re:Licensing

[No Such Agency]

I got a little bored with stuff like "1000 Bulgarian Accordians Play the Beatles",

I dunno, I think I'd *have* to listen to that one, just on principle. I mean, 1000 accordions!

Which reminds me of my youth:

[Neil Blender]

In high school, I'd peel the magnetic stickers that set the alarms off out of books and crumple them up. I'd then walk by some unsuspecting stranger and surreptitiously drop the strip into their bag or umbrella. When they tried to leave all hell would break loose. Sometimes I'd put it inside one of my friend's textbook or something. I use to think they'd catch me because I'd be laughing so hard. Hilarity.

DUPE!

[LostCluster]

I can't believe this... we've run out of original topics.

Ask Slashdot has gone into reruns...

There isn't even an article here and we still got a dupe.

Re:Abuse, anyone?

[botzi]

Give man a PC with CD burner + public acces - he may or he may not find a way to abuse it.
Add an internet connection to the above => you're screwed.

Re:Two Words

[Omega1045]

Would it get me a Funny if I said: One Word Pr0n ? Just trying to karma whore here...

Re:Games!

[WebMasterP]

Ok, isn't there some rule that says if you're going to make fun of someone's typo and call it an English mistake, you have to TYPE PROPER ENGLISH YOURSELF.

You know, you might be able to check out a book on irony at your local library.

You are right

[Pan T. Hose]

Most library users are windows users...

You are right, this is probably the first we should change. I would suggest Debian GNU/Linux for starters and Debian GNU/Hurd for people willing to experiment and learn more. Next steps, as I have already mentioned, could be EROS and OpenBSD for systems less popular but extremely reliable and secure. I wonder which operating systems would other Slashdotters suggest.

Re:Games!

[UserGoogol]

The Grammer Rule. Whenever you correct someone's spelling or grammar, you will make a mistake yourself. And if you try to spell Grammar, you'll probably spell it grammer.