2 - Training - NYLXS is to develop training programs for both membership and the public. Some space has already been made available in this regard. More should be developed. There are two aspects to training. One is that we want to have traditional training for membership, such as one might obtain in a classroom setting. And we would like to extend such training to the virtual classroom, and with one line workshops.

But secondly, we should develop training with which we can leverage for fundraising and for support of the Linux/OS users as a whole, in business and education. Modeled on typical corporate training, we need to develop proficiency in training OTHERS in the use of the Desktop enviorment, Star Office, Applixware, evolution, the gimp, etc. Ideally we can be the first source for training in businesses and organizations. they needs such a support mechanism in order to adopt Linux broadly and on the Desktop. Greater adaptation of Linux in business and education is a major goal of NYLXS. I'm hoping we can work with with the new desktop Linux Users Group in support of this goal.

3 - Education - The adoption of Free Software by the educational system, the NYC Board of Ed, CUNY, and SUNY, and public libraries,is slower than we would like to see. The true disadvantage of using proprietary software in education is not easy to see by educators and administrators. There are a number of reasons for this. And I will skip over them at this point. Others are more informed than myself on this issue, and can speak clearer on the topic. However, we can do several things for schools to help enhance the adoption rates. These include tech support, petitioning, and networking. Current efforts to get free software into schools have been admirable. I would like us to organize this a little more by having an online tech support ticketing system. This would allow educators to request technical support, and log in an open way our commitment to resolving technical issues in our educational instiutions.

And a large write up of the benefits of free software in schools is also planned for the the nylxs site, a case report, as you will. And we will develop some marketing material as well. :) We can also have a team of tech support people for schools, and liaisons between NYLXS and the educational system.

4 - Installfeasts.. Oh what fun these things are. I have come to learn I can install any Free Software or Open Source software with sufficient scotch.

Next install feast is in Brooklyn, in two weeks on a Sunday, November 11th, 3PM to 10PM, at 1600 East 17th street.

5 - Lobbying. Free Software can exist only long as it is legally protected. I know this seems strange, but indeed, this IS the case. Congress is being constantly lobbied by industry, especially publishers, to legally end garage shop computing and hot-rod operating systems. And strangely enough, the majority of the pressure to stop the Free-OS is not Microsoft, but the MPAA and RIAA.

Large companies and and entire industries, such as the American Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of America, spend huge amounts of money and time lobbying. One of the reasons that Free Software has been resistant to business tactics is because, obviously, Linux is not a business. BUT, that works both ways, and businesses are adapting to our presence by lobbying for bills which either make free software illegal, or impractical. They are using legal requirements of physical barriers to free software, and using monopoly powers and trust positions to make fee software inoperatable with the broad publicly available Internet.

It is time for the Free Software movement to adapt. While we do not have corporate lawyers and high priced lobbyist on the payroll, we are not without political power and the ability to lobby. Just as our Software development model spring from grass roots associations, so will our lobbying efforts. It will take some funding, but it will take even more leadership and grass roots movement. We can do this, and we must do this if we want to survive as more than a fringe group.

6 - Technical Lectures - I hope that once a month members will present technical lectures on new developments in computing and software. This is not a request to get Alan Cox to come speak about the Kernel Development process today. Instead, we want members to present their own personal research into a new area of Free Software development, and to create a write up, and do a public presentation of the research, with a question and answer session to follow.

I'm always shocked that this is not current standard practice. Computing careers are research and education intensive...similar to Medicine. In order to remain competent in your field, research and presentation is essential. As part of a leadership development function, we hope establish a regular peer review program in this regard.

7 - Create a NY Linux Scene Journal, both on line and in print

8 - Create a regular resource library and lab.

9 - Develop a Consultant's Network and a Jobs network

10 - Make digital online resources available.

11 - Support all NY area Lugs in their goals with man and material.

12 - Rent/Purchase/buy a real physical home for computers, books and even people.