Related link: http://lxer.com/module/newswire/lf/view/46307/

How can you encourage children to get interested in computing as a career? Should you even try? I have mixed feelings, because I think kids already spend way too much time sitting on their bums, getting fat and nearsighted.

On the other hand, an entire generation raised only to be good little passive consumers scares me even more. And the demand for skilled IT persons grows every day.

So let’s start from the assumption that your little spawnlings are destined for greater things than menial temp work. Let’s assume that they have the desire and ability to master complex skills, understand advanced concepts, and really make a difference in the world…

The number one skillset that will take your precious genetic heritages far is people skills. She who knows how to listen, understand, speak clearly, and advocate effectively will have the entire world at her disposal. Typically, computer geeks think that being right is enough. Those of us who live in the real world know that this is barely a factor in decision-making.

See the rest of the story at Getting Kids Into Computing.

How can you encourage children to get interested in computing as a career? Should you even try?

Related link: http://www.osbc.com/live/13/

The Open Source Business Conference starts this coming Tuesday and the lineup of presentations looks excellent. The GPL 3.0
talk is on my list as well as the Zimbra demo — anyone running Linux in the office or in a mixed desktop environment has certainly felt the pain Zimbra is solving.

It doesn’t seem like much else is going on in the way of desktop Linux at this conference, so if everyone is focused on enterprise adoption of Open Source, why are there still articles on CNET/ZD like this:
Desktop Linux ‘like teenage sex?

Related link: http://lxer.com

There are a couple of articles from LXer.com I want to share with you. One of them I wrote:

Survival Tactics For Women In FOSS, part 1. “Surviving in the often rough-and-tumble FOSS world can take a bit of study and practice. It’s not a place for the timid and fearful. But then, no place is, so you might as well gird your loins and stride boldly forth, because the rewards are huge. Whatever you are interested in- coding, system administration, network administration, documentation, bug finding, bug-fixing, or learning to be a skilled user - there is a place for you. You’ll find some of the best brains in computing to hang out with and learn from, and a lot of fine humans who are fun and interesting. And no matter what level you are, you’ll be able to teach others.”

This article, Defining a Turn-key Libre Software Solution for Ministries, written by DC Parris, addresses a user community that doesn’t get much attention: religious organizations. “When faith-based organizations start looking for libre software alternatives, The Freely Project offers a turn-key solution that will serve their needs well. While aimed at Christians, this solution should work well, no matter what your organization’s religious beliefs.”

LXer.com publishes great stories you won’t find anywhere else in the tech or mainstream media- come on down and join the fun. If you have something interesting to say, share it on LXer.com.