Where do I get Linux and open-source software?
From CLUG Wiki
Contents |
Freedom Toasters
Freedom Toasters are user-friendly machines that store and burn GNU/Linux distributions.
- UCT's Toaster
- Stellenbosch - Go to the JS Gericke Library next to the Neelsie.
- Canal Walk Shopping Centre - At the MTN ScienceCentre on the Upper Level.
- Brackenfell Hypermarket - Right at the back of the Audio/Video section.
For more information, see http://www.freedomtoaster.org
Go-Open Source
You can get a free copy of The Open CD from the Go-Open Source Campaign. This is a CD full of FOSS software for Windows.
Ubuntu Shipit
You can order a free copy of Ubuntu GNU/Linux from their shipit system at http://shipit.ubuntu.com
Computers with Linux Pre-installed
- Bravium Computers sell PCs with GNU/Ubuntu Linux pre-installed, as well as a support plan.
Stellenbosch
If the Freedom Toaster at the JS Gericke Library does not have what you need, subscribe to the SULUG mailing list at http://sulug.sun.ac.za/mailman/listinfo/sulug and ask nicely for a willing soul to help you. Offer beer.
Downloading
If you have lots of bandwidth, you can download software from local mirrors hosted at:
If you are on the UCT campus, you can download software from the LEG hosted at:
Purchasing CD's from local distributors
You can purchase CD's from the following local distributors:
Linux Magazines
Linux Format magazine comes out once a month, and always ships at least one up-to-date distro on the enclosed DVD. The DVD's also come pretty loaded with 4GB of (usually, but not always) useful Open Source Apps.
The magazine itself is has a wide spectrum of interesting linux-centred content, tutorials, and software roundups (this I find particularly useful, especially in the OSS world where sheer choice can become a crippling issue).
The magazine is a bit pricey (R145), so I'd suggest keeping an eye out for issues of particular interest (every month has a specific focus; recent issues have dealt with security, building your own distribution, and optimising your linux desktop). Alternatively you can subscribe for about R70/month.
The Community
Generally, if you request a copy of a distribution on the CLUG-chat list, someone will respond with a solution. Someone might even burn you a copy for free or for exchange for blank CD's. If you're looking for OpenOffice.org, there's a list of community distributors on the OpenOffice.org.za website.
Many members of the community have spare Shipit Ubuntu CD packs, ask around if you are looking for one.
