Application for Funding

1.6 Tell us about the focus and purpose of your organisation and what you are hoping to achieve

The Waikato Linux Users Group Incorporated (commonly known as WLUG) is an incorporated society designed to advocate and promote the usage of Open Source and Free Software, particularly the Linux operating system.

Full definitions of Open Source Software and Free Software are attached to this application, however in summary “Free” software is free in both senses of the word; it comes at no cost, and it contains the liberty to control and modify the software through the availability of the 'source code', the instructions the computer uses to run the program and that any programmer can modify.

WLUG is a member of a worldwide network of Linux User Groups, grassroots organisations dedicated to the advancement of software that both adheres to open standards and allows users the freedom to change and improve the software.

The charter of the Waikato Linux Users Group Incorporated defines the purpose of the WLUG as "a support community for Open Source and Free Software":

• As a support community for Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD (and other Open Source or Free Operating Systems)
• As a vector for the promotion of Open Source software and Operating Systems within non-profit, commercial and industrial organisations
• As a vector for the promotion of Open Source software and Operating Systems within government bodies, including but not limited to educational bodies of all levels, medical bodies, local and national government, and political parties.
• As a means of providing additional support and resources to its members; including, but not limited to, electronic mailboxes, access to a public Linux server, access to a society library of technical books. Only members of the society have access to these resources, but anyone who is interested are invited to become member.

Our membership fees are currently set at $20. One month after our 2003 financial period began, we have over 30 paid members. We have 113 people on our Intenret mailing list.

We run a free public web site, http://www.wlug.org.nz/, where we offer a Wiki, a publically accessible and editable information database. This web site contains information both on the WLUG itself and on many topics relating to Linux and computing in general. It recieves around 60,000 unique visits (1.4 million hits) a month, and has a following all around the world.

1.7 When was your organisation established? DONE

The original Internet mailing list (the official communications channel) of the WLUG was started in late 1998; the list as it exists today contains archives back to March 1999, and we incorporated as a society on 28 November 2002.

1.8 Is your organisation part of, or managed by, any other organisation/authority

No.

Section 2: The Project

2.1 Please give a full description of your organisations project or purpose for which Trust funding is sought

The project we are applying for is a Demonstration/Education Network for our society. This will consist of three computers, a monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard, equipment as required to connect the computers together to form a network, and a custom casing to secure the equipment together.

The demonstration/education network (referred to as "the equipment" from here on) will be available for use by members to assist our goals as laid out in our Charter, including, but not limited to, allowing the WLUG and its members to:

• Learn about new technologies
• Prepare for presentations at regular WLUG meetings
• Educate the wider community about Linux and Free Software
• Offer training in Linux and Free Software to members and the wider community

2.2 Tell us why this project should be funded. How is it meeting a significant community need? Include who and how many people will benefit

As a community organisation, many of the WLUG members would like to be able to research technologies to give presentations (open to both WLUG members and to any interested persons). (***)

The goals that (***) can be used to assist in our goals in manners such as providing equipment for demonstrations, to allow members to prepare presentations

• Education/Training
• Society Development (Growth)
• Software relevant to New Zealand users (for example, localised to NZ laws such as tax laws, or cultural such as Māori language) (***)
• Presentations/Demonstrations/
• Community groups – lower IT costs by using Linux
• Run training
• Software development/testing for projects

The community needs to be educated that there are alternatives available to proprietary software, often at no cost. Education to the wider community could provide benefits to many groups IT, as well as providing direct support for the LUG in its direct capacity as a development and support group.

If Joe Community Group has 20 PCs and pays $x,000 for Windows based solutions they could save $x,000 a year

We need a method for demonstrating the viability of this move as well as providing support and education for groups who wish to try it.

2.3 If this application is for the purchase of physical assets, how will their security be maintained?

Loan of the equipment will be at the discretion of the governing committee of the WLUG. Persons borrowing the equipment must be paid members, which means they have signed a membership form (including their name, address, phone number, e-mail address and occupation) and paid a membership fee.

Before borrowing the equipment, the member will be required to sign a disclosure form, accepting full financial respsonsibility for loss or damage to the equipment.

Each computer will be equipped with a case lock, preventing access to internal components. Members will not be allowed to open the cases of the compters without prior written approval from the WLUG committee.

When not in use, the equipment will be stored in a locked premises, with best effort made to ensure the premises are alarmed.

Included in our request for funding is a sum for the building of a custom "carry case" housing facility for the equipment, so it can be safely locked, stored and transported.

The equipment will be covered by fire and theft insurance.

2.4 What is the anticipated timing of your project (commencement and completion) and your timing of your requirement for funds?

If our application is successful, we can order the gear immediately and, excepting delivery delays, it will be available for use within one month.

4.9 Finally, is there anything else you think we should know about your organisation or this project?