Last fall a slightly ambitious project to test the uptake of Ubuntu Linux in the volunteer community of eastern England showed positive results, so why has the funder pulled the plug?

If, for whatever reason, you have done some digging on me you will have discovered a dark secret. Well, not quite a secret as I do not hide it, nor is it that dark, more of a information non publiée.

My formal education in computing ended at the age of 14, about six weeks into a GCSE (The UK equivalent of the US’s High School Diploma) course in ICT. I’ve had a lifelong passion for computers, but despite this, I opted instead to study Design and Technology and never looked back.

It’s unusual to see issues related to copyright law and its reform make much of an impact in the mainstream media here in the UK, but last week’s report from the Institute of Public Policy Research, entitled Public Innovation: Intellectual Property in a Digital Age has been a notable exception.

FAVE is an event in the UK for people who are interested in free audio and video software on Linux and other platforms. I’m helping to put together the second annual event, which will feature talks, workshops and performances by free software artists and developers.

Entry costs £5 and registration in advance is required, via the FAVE website at www.fave.org.uk This is just to help us cover the venue costs, and give us an idea of the number of people coming.

If any FSM readers would like to help out with publicity, or on the day itself, they would be most welcome.