Recommendation from a Concerned World Citizen

This isn't a standard post. It is a flashback to the nature of my internet prescence in the summer. The following is the email I sent to the Voluntary Services Overseas.

I just read the article on the BBC News web site about the VSO's call for help from computer-literate volunteers. I would first like to praise your organisation for all it does and specifically recognising that the Internet is emerging as tool with the capacity to allow all of humanity to comminicate very efficiently. Therefore, a necessary step towards achieving the unity of the human race is securing communication for all, and the VSO is taking steps in this direction.

Because many of the places VSO sends volunteers are developing countries, affordability of computing is an important factor. Therefore, using the Linux operating system and OpenOffice, which are both free, would be preferable to Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. Even though the Microsoft products are standard, there is no real advantage to their use over the free software. While some would argue that Microsoft products are easier to use, this is simply because most people have been introduced to computers running them. Since "tech-savvy" volunteers will be used, it is just as easy to introduce local people to Linux as it is to introduce them to Windows. Additionally, Linux and OpenOffice are open-source, meaning that software developers are free to make useful changes and enhancements, so they could potentially offer more flexibility than the established products. It is better, in my opinion, in both the short and long term for IT in develop countries to take the free and flexible route.

Another suggestion is for computers to be assembled locally. I do not know how this would compare in price to ordering mass quantities from companies such as Dell, but imagine how local communities in developing coutries could benefit. Even though it might not seem compatible with the culture or way of life in many regions, the process can be gradual and, through great creativity and effort, be easied in appropriately. The benefit of access to the world of humanity's colective knowledge, if balanced with moral education, is beyond our perception. The long-term societal upliftment would assuredly far outweigh any short-term financial convenience.

Those influencing humanity's future have the potential to make huge positive differences that we cannot comprehend at the stage of humanity's evolution in which we live. This knowledge is accompanied by the responsibility to make decisions that put needs of the whole of mankind above our current needs and desires.

Are there other like-minded organisations that would be interested in these topics?

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Leif Segen, an American currently volunteering in the education system of Saint Kitts and Nevis

[Update: There is linux created for this purpose! Ubuntu - Linux for Human Beings]