Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]

The city of Munich, Germany, has implemented a large scale migration to Open Source software. Many other cities in Germany are now following Munich's example. This is an efficient, long-term money saving move for governments and corporations to take during these tough economic times. Warsaw should get on the bandwagon.

"The target is to convert 80 per cent of the [Munich] city council's 14,000 computers to Linux by mid-2012 at the latest. Even earlier, by the end of this year in fact, all the town hall staff are to drop Word, Excel and Internet Explorer and use free OpenOffice software and Firefox, the open-source browser, instead."

Language / Software to convert my keyboard to polish [13]

I use Linux with KDE 4.2.3. If that's what you are using, then on the 'classic' menu, go:

1) K-Menu --> System --> System Settings --> Regional & Language --> Keyboard Layout

2) Click on "Enable Keyboard Layouts"

3) Add "Poland" to the list and make sure it is on top using the arrow keys

4) Click on "Apply"

5) "Polish" fonts will be enabled

News / THOUSANDS OF YOUNG ISRAELIS FLOODING POLAND [93]

Pawian, let's assume that approximately 300 Catholic Poles were responsible for painting the anti-Jewish graffiti you presented, presumably in Kraków. That doesn't mean a nation of 38 million people are held collectively responsible for the racist acts of a few skin heads. It doesn't justify labelling an entire nation as being anti-semitic. Individuals are responsible for such acts, not an entire nation of people.

Have you been to Israel yet? Thousand upon thousands of young Christian Slavic women have been kidnapped and forced to serve as prostitutes for the mostly Jewish inhabitants living there. That, of course, doesn't indicate that all Israeli Jews are anti-Christian.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]

Here is a great piece of news! The government of Hungary plans to go 50 percent Open Source, a big leap from propietary software.

Some quotes:

- "The Hungarian government has announced that it will be modifying procurement rules to allow open source to be used in public sector organisations. Previously, procurement rules had apparently named vendors such as Microsoft and Novell."

- "It will be the first time that open source solutions will gain the same equal status as proprietary vendors in centralised public sector tenders."

- "This recognition of open source by the Hungarian government will hopefully also encourage the private sector to investigate the potential of non-proprietary software to cut cost during these tough economic times."

Government of Poland, are you listening? Make the announcement and the move.

Law / Anyone recommend any Polish accounting software? [4]


I use Xtuple's free Open Source "Postbooks" edition for my accounting / ERP needs on Linux / KDE 4.2.2. It's excellent software and contains everything from invoicing to financial reporting. Make sure you follow their install video which is on the Xtuple website. It's the best free accounting software available today, for both Linux and Windows. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to ask me. Enjoy!

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]

PolskaDoll, it would be a good idea to delete all postings from #90 and beyond, because they do not related to Poland at all. And no, I was not 'teasing' Frd. I only do that to men I'm attractive to. :-)

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


I would suggest deleting any posts 'after' #89 (from #90) since they do not relate to Poland.


Again, nobody is editing anything or playing dumb. If you want to play it safe, you should reply to a post after 15 minutes to make sure nothing was indeed edited. There are many people on the forums that edit and re-edit their statements for typos and mistatements. It is foolish to reply too early to any posting.

I mentioned my Law and Finance credentials because those were my 'majors', and IT was a minor, so it was relevant to the conversation. It's really funny when someone is going to try to explain to me about the Linux kernel, and I have over 5 years experience using it. I'm well aware about the Linux Kernel and can hack a Linux kernel inside out. I know it like the back of my hand.

What is your education and experience? How long have you used Linux? It would be interesting to know.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


Not true. Let me tell you, I have extensive experience using Linux and Unix for many years now. I am able to customize and compile a kernel from scratch, and I currently have 'almost' the latest version. Running "uname -r", I get the following output:

"2.6.28.3"

This kernel allows for the Ext4 filesystem.

I converted all of my ext3 filesystems to the latest ext4. With my background, experience, and education, I know very well about Linux Kernels and beyond. IT is my speciality along with Law and finance.

Nobody is playing with your brain. I did not say "incorrect".

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


Again, please show me in this entire thread where I stated, "Incorrect, ...". Where is it? By making this claim, you are being dishonest and twisting the truth. Once again, where is that exact statement? Please show me. At least, provide the thread #?

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


No, I never stated there were 'many kernels'. I always said 'one kernel'.

Now, read carefully our entire exchange (below), in full:

-----------------------
Ela_lawyer: "Yes, one Linux Kernel. However, a Linux distribution such as OpenSuse, Fedora, Ubuntu, Gentoo, etc. uses the Linux Kernel to function. On top of the actual distribution, you then have the thousands of applications and desktop environments, which are all source compiled binary files."

Frd: "You are contradicting yourself :) There is still ONE linux kernel.. what was incorrect about my statement?"

PAUSE - It is here you are making a false claim of contradicing myself. Just read the last two statements by myself and you Frd. I said, "Yes, one Linux Kernel", and you then came out with your comment. It doesn't explain on how I am contradicting myself.

Ela_Lawyer: "Am I? Where?"

Frd: "not "kernels", one Linux kernel, ONE LINUX KERNEL, one linux kernel to find them and in the darkness bind them, in the land of Torvalds where open source apps lie.."

PAUSE - Again, I did say "one Linux kernel"....so what statement of mine are you even correcting?

Ela_lawyer: "Please show me where I said "kernels", with an "S" ? Also, show me where I am contradicting myself?"

Frd: "Sweet mother of God..."
-----------------------

The conversation speaks for itself. I never stated "many kernels", only "one kernel" in that entire exachange.

Find the quote of mine which reads, "INCORRECT, THERE IS ONE LINUX KERNEL." Where is it? It does not exist on this entire thread.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


I hold a major in Finance and a minor in Information Technology at the undgraduate level, and at the graduate level I specialized in Law and studied many more programming languages, using the Unix environment. I'm a Lawyer with a very strong IT background.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


Please show me where I said "kernels", with an "S" ? Also, show me where I am contradicting myself?

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


Am I? Where?

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]

Yes, one Linux Kernel. However, a Linux distribution such as OpenSuse, Fedora, Ubuntu, Gentoo, etc. uses the Linux Kernel to function. On top of the actual distribution, you then have the thousands of applications and desktop environments, which are all source compiled binary files.

For example, you have the distribution (Fedora) which uses the Linux Kernel, then you have your desktop environment (KDE), and as many applications (binary files) as you wish to run on top of that. There are many components and not just one.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


You are saying, Linux/Unix and Open Source represents "one computer program"? Try again. It consists of hundreds of Operating System Distributions (Suse, Fedorea, Ubuntu, etc), over 25 Desktop Environments (KDE, Gnome, Xfce, etc), and over 30,000 open source applications. We aren't talking about 'one' program here.


Is a citizen of a given country required to praise everything about their country? The city of Puławy isn't considered to be one of the more attractive cities in Poland.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


What are you talking about? We are speaking of the number of computers (PCs) which can potentially be using Linux-Open Sources in Krakow and the rest of Poland (in government localities and even in private industry) versus Puławy, and not the number of 'research institutes' pro rata. You have much to learn and have failed in all of your arguments on this thread. You have made yourself look like a complete fool already.

You are comparing the small, insignificant town of Puławy which has 45,000 people, with Kraków, one of the largest cities in Poland, and every other city? How ridiculous and what a joke. Better educate yourself more.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


Better yet, there is "Scilab" for Linux / Unix, a complete "Matlab" replacement.


I find the installation process of most Linux distributions like OpenSuse, Fedora, etc. to be quite simple and straightforward. It's not complex at all.


Again, GIMP is easy to use as well.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


Please find exactly where it states that Linux / Unix cannot be used.

You know, even if you were able to provide proof that the research institute is unable to use Linux because "Polish Governmental Policy" forbids it, you are talking about one research institute in all of Poland, in the small city of Puławy. This is a needle in the haystack in Poland. This does not compare to the many local governments of every gmina, powiat, wojewodzko of Poland (and perhaps numerous private businesses) that might eventually use Linux one day. This is thousands of pc's compared to perhaps 'several' in one single research institue in Puławy. How can you even compare? I already pointed out that the "city" of Krakow is has made the conversion, and is going further with it? How can this little research institiute in Puławy even compare numerically?

I'm not on any 'crusade' as you enjoy describing. Keep on hallucinating. You seem blind on the entire subject and aren't worth debating because your technical knowledge seems to low for any worthwhile discussion.


Who ever said everything free in life is good? Who even implied it? Open Source and Linux are not only free, but efficient, time saving, easy to use and implement, source code open to change by anyone, stable, and secure. In Linux, everything is a file. There is no bloated registry and too many other positive aspects to describe.

Nobody is asked you specifically to change your ways. I've only pointed out that many governments and private businesses in every country around the globe are now switching to Open Source. Again, nobody is asking or trying to convince you to use it. Please, continue using Microsoft. When I make a post about Open Source, just keep in mind, it doesn't refer to you. You are not worth the time for this discussion.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]

Haha! I Love it Szarlotka! :-)

BTW, C++ is my favorite programming language.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


And yes, I'm skinny as well, with a body to kill. I use that to attract some of my clients. :-) I'm a Linux addict, what can I say?

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]

It's not a personal crusade at all, only my recommendation based upon my experience using Linux / Open Source.

Since when is commenting on a forum the equivalent of a crusade, or attempting to defend and justify the use of a certain computer technology? If I held and funded public symposiums in large halls on promoting Linux / Open Source, and had a website devoted to it, then that would be considered a 'crusade'.

By the way, is it possible for you to provide an online source of your claim, that:


If this is true, can you kindly provide me with some objective online source for this law? My assistant has looked through several volumes of legal case studies and couldn't come up with it.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


Really? Then why has Kraków, Poland, a city much larger than Puławy or Lublin already made the move to Open Source. See osor.eu/news/pl-krakow-migrates-to-openoffice-considers - Kraków migrates to OpenOffice, considers expanding Linux use.

Quotes:

- The Polish city Krakow will this year begin using OpenOffice. The Open Source suite of office applications will replace the proprietary equivalent Microsoft Office. The city's switch should save some 120.000 euro.

- The city council also decided to expand its use of GNU/Linux servers.

- IT staff in Krakow has been considering OpenOffice for quite some time. However, switching to the Open Source alternative for Microsoft Office became a City Council topic earlier this year only after Jerzy Polomski, a city council member, proposed a complete switch to Open Source.

- Polomski had proposed that the city use not only alternative office applications, but also to use an Open Source operating system for the desktops. The council decided against this, citing lack of support and the high cost of training.

- The city council did note that some of Krakow's departments were already using GNU/Linux server distribution Red Hat and desktop distribution Fedora. Krakow now wants to expand on this, and will consider Linux for several new IT projects expected to begin in 2009.

The 'city' and 'city council' of Kraków are part of the 'government'. So please tell me, how does "Government policy" not allow the use of Linux when a large city such as Kraków (and many others, I can quote them for you) has already made the switch to Linux and Open Source?


It is not. I attended the "itgiants.org/itg2009 - IT Giants Conference in Kraków" (Open Source and Linux Conference) on January 14, 2009, and Waldemar Pawlak who is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy and supporter of new IT and Internet technologies as well as of free software, was a special guest and speaker. He is encouraging the use of Open Source and Linux in Poland right now. It was in his speech. He is part of the government of Poland.


I do value my time, very much. How do you come to the conclusion one doesn't value their time? Open Source is a tremendous time saver.

When viewing cost, having over 20 computers in the office, I prefer not to pay 2,000 zl. per computer (over 42,000 zl.) to install Photoshop on each one. Now that's only one piece of software. Not very cost or time effective. With Linux / Open Source, no lengthy paperwork or licensing required...just download and install. This saves time, and money. Each pc in the office has: OpenSuse Linux, KDE 4.2, GIMP, Inkscape, Xtuple Postbooks Accounting software, Lyx, Scribus, OpenOffice, Skype, xPDF, Firefox, Pidgin Chat, Xchat, GNU Cash, GNU Octave, KOffice, and much more. To install the Microsoft equivalents wouldn't make financial sense at all. There are huge financial (and time) savings with using Linux and Open Source. Do the Math.

You both should have attended this conference in Kraków. Very informative and Mr. Pawlak spoke in detail of the Polish government's plans to enourage and use Open Source.

Law / Linux, Unix, and Open Source in Poland [119]


Oh, so wrong. Such a generalization blown out of proportion. I prefer my skimpy shirt, no bra, and mini-skirt with a cute penquin on rear.


I use Nano.


That is over 95% true already and quickly improving. The only two applications I find as not complete alternatives in Linux are Photoshop and AutoCad. GIMP is getting there though and considering it is being developed for free, I can't complain. Most important, if GIMP is sufficient for my graphical needs, then I'm happy. There is a Linux CAD program but not as good as AutoCad, yet.

You'll see Linux taking the government by storm in Poland in the not too distant future. Many countries are now opting for this alternative.

History / Damning archives of cleansing in communist Poland [16]

In Europe's notorious side of history, Communism, Nazism, and Facism have long been a thorn in its side. All three movements resulted in countless deaths, supression, deportations, and war. Former communists should be prosecuted and treated the same way as Nazi war criminals are, no exceptions.

Too many historians with roots to communism focus only on the Nazi Germany portion of WWII and not surprisingly tend to ignore the often harsher side of Communist rule.

The IPN is an organization that should proceed further with its investigations and documentation of crimes against the Polish nation. It isn't currently a political tool of anyone.

News / Reuters News Taints Poland by Association of Prostitution Ring Leader [15]

His Israeli passport and religion 'is' of relevance. It seems when an individual with Jewish roots has been allegedly persecuted or discriminated against, their "Jewish" identity is made public and indicated, and this holds true in the media as well. However, when somebody that has Jewish roots commited a crime or murder, their Jewish identity is hidden from the public. Another situation is, when an individual with Jewish roots has made an amazing disovery, his/her Jewish roots are noted blatantly by the press and Jewish organizations.

Harry, I'm not a bigot at all. It's a shame you must resort to cheap name calling (calling someone 'bigot', or "anti-semitic", for example) when you have no other argument to support your claims. You can continue name calling and labeling people as much as you desire. I refuse to resort to such low tactics even when I'm not the one who initially instigated the name calling.


You learned something new ShelleyS! Have you bothered to read the "Annual US State Department's Trafficking in Persons report" for which there is a link in the previous mentioned article I provided?

History / Col.Jozef Swiatlo-Secret agent, torturer, CIA-collaborator to be tried? [145]


Given the percentage of Jews in post WWII Poland (less than 1% of the entire population). 37% is a very disproportionate number. 37% versus 1%...I would say that speaks for itself in an organization that was aimed at destroying any effort at establishing an independant Poland and executing and deporting mostly Polish-Catholics in it's course of existance. Then look at who led the primary Communist Security apparatus: Jakub Berman, Hilary Minc, and countless other Polish-Jews who went as far as changing their surnames to Polish-Catholic sounding ones in order to make it appear that the Communist apparatus in Poland did not appear 'too Jewish' looking to the general public.

News / "We buy out Poland, Hungary, and Romania!" - the President of Israel [74]


Perhaps Madoff's wife can subsidize your trip? :-)

News / "We buy out Poland, Hungary, and Romania!" - the President of Israel [74]


If you read 'jonni's question to me, "If President Kaczynski made a speech saying that thanks to dynamism etc, Polish investors are buying up Manhattan, Hungary etc and that it's almost amazing, would you be "speechless at his arrogance" or proud?"

Jonii brought in President Kaczynski into the argument, not me. So, I answered the question including Poland in it because Kaczynski is the president of Poland.

History / Col.Jozef Swiatlo-Secret agent, torturer, CIA-collaborator to be tried? [145]


Excuse me? The report provided by the IPN is the best and most accurate report available today. How can you state those figures are unreliable? What is your basis for such an argument?

A part of that report clearly states:

"...in the period of 1944–1954 of the 450 top managers of the Ministry of Public Security (from the head of division up), 167 were of Jewish origin (37.1%). After the MBP (Ministry of Public Security) was dissolved and its place was taken by Kds.BP (Committee for Public Security) in 1954, that number dropped to 86 managerial positions (34.5%)."

It was quite easy for researchers to look up birth certifcates and marriage documents of each communist to see who they were. It doesn't take much to figure out one's religions or ethnicity. Polish Jewish and Poilsh Catholic surnames are very unique, and there is much more information to go on.


Polish Jews were a driving force, it's a fact and is not wrong.

I'm curious that you use the term "Jew" instead of Polish Jew. Why isn't sjam commenting on your incorrect usage and calling you an anti-semite?

News / "We buy out Poland, Hungary, and Romania!" - the President of Israel [74]

Yes, I would consider it to be an arrogant speech either way, by Peres or Kaczynski.

It should also be pointed out, that Israel has been receiving an average of over $2 billion in economic and miltary aid for the last countless years from the USA. This is where Shimon Peres's speech becomes arrogant. He attributes the success of Jewish investment in Manhattan, Hungary, Poland, etc to Jewish "talent" and "dynamism", but fails to mention that Israel's economy and wealth has been largely propped up, sustained, and created solely by US aid. Without such aid, Israel would never exist as it does today nor would Israelis have the standard of living they currently have.