= Software Freedom Day Rugby 2012 = == Introduction == On '''15th September 2012''', [[http://www.softwarefreedomday.org/|Software Freedom Day]] (SFD) will once again be coming to Rugby. The event is a global celebration that focuses on raising awareness of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_open_source_software|free and open source software]]. At this time each year, thousands of teams in towns and cities across the world are busily working to provide an opportunity for computer users to experience first hand the benefits of high quality free software. Interest in free and open source software continues to grow in the current economic climate, a period which is affecting all sectors including business, education and home users alike. Discussion of the potential benefits of open standards made the national press with the UK Government's recent [[http://consultation.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/openstandards/|Open Standards Consultation]]. First celebrated in 2004 with just 12 teams, SFD has been held annually in September since then and has seen significant growth, with over 1000 teams taking part last year around the globe. With the current economic strains affecting everyone, computer users everywhere are looking for ways to save costs without compromising on functionality and creativity. Many of the world’s largest and most reliable platforms are built using free software; some typical applications used by people every day without realising that they are based on open source technology include [[http://www.google.com|Google]] and [[http://www.facebook.com|Facebook]]. Functionalities range from professional bookkeeping through to graphic design packages. == Focus on Home, Business and Education == Rugby and the surrounding areas are home to a number of companies specialising in services for free and open source software. Experts will be available on the day to offer professional advice and provide live demonstrations of a variety of web, email, educational and office software and games, giving visitors the opportunity to experience them first hand and ask questions. Visitors will be welcome to take away a '''FREE CD''' full of applications to use and share with friends. There will be light refreshments available, as well as T-shirts and other goodies. If you are unable to make it to the event but want to find out more, please get in touch to receive information, a sample CD by post or to arrange a meeting. == Who’s Invited? == Rugby Software Freedom Day is open to '''everyone''', from individuals who want to know how Free and Open Source software can be used at home, to large organisations, charities and government representatives. Local media have also been invited to cover the event. Includes breakout sessions covering programming, music creation and graphics, as well as demonstrations with [[http://www.arduino.cc/|Arduino]] and [[http://www.raspberrypi.org/|Raspberry Pi]]. == Want to help? == If you want to get involved with Software Freedom Day Rugby (either as a sponsor or to provide help and equipment on the day), please get in touch (details below). == When and Where? == From '''12:00-4:00 pm on Saturday, 15th September 2012''' at the '''Benn Partnership Centre''', Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3HR. == Sponsors == This event is being organised by [[http://www.rugby.lug.org.uk|Rugby Linux User Group]] in association with [[http://www.credativ.co.uk|credativ]], [[http://www.opusvl.com|OpusVL]] and [[http://www.cultivate-communities.co.uk/|Cultivate Communities]]. == Contact Us: == You can follow the Rugby Linux Users Group on Twitter [[http://twitter.com/#!/RugbyLUG|here]]. If you want to contact us directly, please use the contact details [[http://www.rugby.lug.org.uk/contact.html|here]]. ---- CategoryTeam2012