Dear Sunil,

I just saw your mail. So nice to see you coming forward and giving your views on GNU/Linux "No Linux in Manipur NIC". I regard your opinion, and on the *positive note*, let me add some points to broaden our views.

> I don't feel that's a good suggestion [for the next five years or
> perharps a decade!!!] Why because is that there's no expertise
> persons on Linux/Unices other than you, me or few handful of
> "devoted kernel/Application observers".

Nobody has the right expertise at the start, but somehow one has to start to learn, explore and master the art. They may fail while trying, they may fail many times but someday they will succeed.

If they don't start now, then when will they start?

> The scope to download the fresh "virgin' kernel from the pertinent
> repository and binging various GNU tools and making the right
> stable-user_friendly system is not a child's play and i don't feel
> the NIC's fellows have the right expertisation on this field.

They can download a standard CD distribution or buy them for some few hundred rupees. Vendors provide bundled software that saves the user from tedious work of hunting and downloading individual software and binding them.

They can legally install the same CD in _every_ computer on site _without_ having to pay a single paisa to anyone ever again.

> Would there be any significant impact on the overall IT related
> system in Manipur if you change the platform to GNU-Linux?? I
> don't feel the affirmative response.

The implications are not just technical but economical, political and cultural. Free and open access to the source code of software, gives tremendous power to fortify user's sovereignty.

> The system is going down deeply beneath the ground level in every
> aspect and i don't think Linus's Kernel would saved somehow from
> that. Well someone could set up a Linux base website/group. That's
> another thing for Linux enthusiasts. But for putting those
> passions and interspersing on Manipur NIC system.....i don't feel
> that's a good idea.

It will be tough to move to GNU/Linux all of a sudden with not much expertise and command. But with few installations on some system they can start, learn and grow; finally they can move to GNU/Linux 100% someday.

> Linux is pure "virgin" and stable system.
> Let's try not to defile by contaminating on Manipur NIC system.

It won't contaminate, it will only _cure_ the harm and damage done to the system by closed source proprietary software like Microsoft. Linux is stable, no need to worry about it being defiled.

Who knows somebody from NIC may come up with a better scheduling algorithm than Torvald's or Ingo's and make the kernel more stable and cleaner. Let's always be positive and help/guide the new generation.

Sunil, the guys in NIC and elsewhere are experts in Windows but not in GNU/LINUX, but why??

Because they don't use GNU/Linux, they don't get the chance; because life starts and ends with Microsoft Windows. Students are made to use Windows, Turbo C... in school, colleges and computer institutes.

School/College is the stage when people who will be good programmers should learn to write software well. The students should be playing around a lot with the code, they should be reading and understanding the real programs that people really use.

And they will be quite eager and curious to read the source code of the programs that they use every day. Proprietary software forbids them and keeps them in the dark. Free/Open Source Software allows that.

We should be making the students, school/college heads, and concerned authorities aware of GNU/Linux and make the kids start using GNU/Linux right from school/college.

And you know this should be done together, by you, me and others. We should come together and make the change, if we don't do, who will?