Ariel’s Playground & Toy Factory

Yes, friends! Linux is not only for software developers, geeks, hackers, etc. It is also for Philosophers, Social Scientists, Legal Scholars and Environmentalists …

FOSS and the philosophers
By Matt Butcher on August 09, 2007 (7:00:00 PM)

Excerpt: Is it surprising to hear of philosophers and computer scientists — together with economists, legal scholars, mathematicians, and sociologists — getting together to discuss topics that seem to be the primary domain of software developers? Not to those at the conference. “I was impressed to see that there are serious modern philosophers and computer scientists alike who think the intersection thereof is interesting,” computer science professor George Thiruvathukal said. “Given a history of computing that includes other disciplines (philosophy, mathematics, science, and art), I’m not surprised but I am nevertheless impressed.”

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When asked why a conference like this is of any importance to software developers, system administrators, and others whose daily work revolves around computers, Thiruvathukal said, “Given the now ubiquitous nature and power of computing in our society, it is more important than ever that everyone who uses computers — developers included — understands the Spider-Man mantra, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ It is the discipline of philosophy that provides the tools of ethics and helps us to guide how we apply technology responsibly. These issues are of paramount interest to computer science and philosophy educators.”

Read more:
http://www.linux.com/feature/118426

IBM launches ‘Big Green Linux’ initiative
Matt Broersma ZDNet UK
Published: 09 Aug 2007 10:07 BST

Excerpt: IBM on Tuesday kicked off an initiative aimed at convincing big businesses and data centres that Linux is not just a way of saving money — and that it’s also a good way to cut back on power consumption and environmental damage.

Read more:
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39288477,00.htm