"Governments, local authorities, schools and hospitals can lead by example by procuring only Free Software"
Dr. Andy Farnell has a new article about a number of interesting facets in "modern" technology. "People use technology in different ways and have different needs which change through different stages of life, career, wealth and health," he argues. "Inappropriate and even dangerous technology happens when it is not thoughtfully chosen. This happens when it's forced upon types of people who are "expected to use" one-size-fits-all solutions. As an obvious example consider the use of money..."
Further down he talks about GNU/Linux and BSDs: "Commercial software got between the makers and end users, For example, Apple's operating system is great, but it's derived from a completely free system called BSD. Likewise Google's operating system is based on Linux, written and distributed for free by Finnish programmer Linus Torvalds. You can still obtain and install both of those systems (BSD and Linux) on your devices for free. They are arguably better than the branded alternatives. In doing so you get to talk directly to the developers. You can sponsor them with money. You can ask for features, or if you're skilled contribute directly to making the software people need."
Dr. Farnell will "next be at Anchorage Lodge Community Centre in Portsmouth on Wednesday the 24th of September 2025 from 10am to 12pm." Why? Read the first and second paragraphs: "This month we are joining a Digital Inclusion Coffee Morning in Portsmouth. For this event most of the audience will be older people. We're keen to get some new input."
Let's wish him well. He wrote a good article for us back in 2021. █
