[Freedombox-discuss] Quick self introduction
On Sat, Feb 19, 2011 at 09:53:39AM +0800, Harish Pillay 9v1hp wrote:
>I've just signed up to the mailiing list and here's a quick self-intro.
[details snipped]
Welcome aboard! :-D
>Skills:
>a) coding - I code in C and python.
>d) hardware: I dabble in microcontrollers (PIC etc) and
> for the last two years, it has been the arduino
>c) teaching: I have been running an annual 39-hr 3-credit
> open source elective course at a local university since
> 2006. cpe802.pbworks.com has the contents. I am
> planning on introducing Arduino into this class for
> 2011.
>
>So, where can I help with Freedom Box?
At the moment, as you might have noticed already from the wiki pages and
this list, there are many ideas and proposals for _pieces_ of the puzzle
but little structure of it.
Some have proposed to draft and democratically to vote for a more
detailed plan of tasks, and appoint volunteers for each of them. Sorry
if I am summarizing this badly - others please fill in here!
I group it as this: software + hardware + design
Regarding software:
To me the main structure is already there - it is Debian. True, Debian
do not magically equal a FreedomBox, but an obvious task to me is
composing a set of packages that work well together, try install them as
a rolled out system (on any computer, not necessarily a plug device) and
find a configuration of it that is sensible for a device intended to
basically be running fully automated. I have posted recently an example
of how this process of refining a composition of packages + configs
using live-build, and made a couple of attempts at arguing why I believe
this to be most sane approach.
There are also numerous underlying projects quite interesting for
inclusion in FreedomBox but not yet ready. I don't call that "working
on FreedomBox" but it is crucial anyway - as is working on any bugs in
Debian that might affect the FreedomBox. Most discussions so far has
been on these exciting potential additions for a future FreedomBox. If
you feel that they are crucial for a first incarnation of FreedomBox
rather than using existing pieces already in Debian, then devote your
time there!
Regarding hardware:
Engage with the Emdebian team! Sounds like you have some pretty cool
skills in this are, and I am sure they can use your help optimizing the
various tasks on best integrating a Debian system into such extremely
low-resource environments (because that is what embedded is: even if you
think you can just wait for next revision of plug devices which has a
faster CPU and more memory, more resources means more power consumption
and that is working against a core[1] goal of FreedomBox).
Regarding design:
I am not a designer. I have ideas on how to design this thing but
deliberately keep quiet (for now, at least) on that part to make room
for others deling more competent in that area.
- Jonas
[1] Anything I write here is my own opinions, not necessarily shared
with everyone. I dare assume it is a core goal of FreedomBox to be
_very_ low-power and not just _adequately_ low-power. I.e. to actively
work on reducing resource requirements, not just expect the boxes
automagically to be (literally) cool.
--
* Jonas Smedegaard - idealist & Internet-arkitekt
* Tlf.: +45 40843136 Website: http://dr.jones.dk/
[x] quote me freely [ ] ask before reusing [ ] keep private
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