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Topic: Free software wins out in embargoed Syria

radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777

posted 17 January 2006 07:16 PM

quote:
Anas Tawileh is based in Cardiff, Wales. But he's doing an unbelievable job in promoting free and open source software in his home country, Syria.
"In syria we are currently under a technological embargo from the US. Which means we cannot legally obtain the licence for any kind of software, whatever it is, even Windows 95, Windows 98 or server applications. This is because these things are considered as 'high-technology'."
So, Tawileh is just going about building a network based on free and open source software.
The embargo goes so far, says Tawileh says, that "one guy won a personal computer, because he subscribed to a magazine via the Middle East. But because it was violating the US export law, they refused to ship it to him."

article - Tectonic.co.za

From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002 | IP: Logged

aRoused
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1962

posted 17 January 2006 08:04 PM

Cool. That being said, it's ridiculously easy to get absolutely rock-bottom prices on software all through that region, and several others, and far beyond, copyright or no.

From: The King's Royal Burgh of Eoforwich | Registered: Dec 2001 | IP: Logged

radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777

posted 17 January 2006 08:44 PM

Oh quite true that software piracy is rampant throughout alot of the third world. Who can afford the prices they're charging?

On the other hand, you can circumvent U.S. based proprietary software vendors completely by simply not using their stuff and using completely legal free and open source software. Not only that, but you can customize the software to meet local needs and even develop a local computer software industry.

From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002 | IP: Logged

ceti
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7851

posted 17 January 2006 10:41 PM

Windows 98 high technology??? What the hell? These embargoes are even more draconian than I thought.

Also, I was unaware of the tech embargo.

From: various musings before the revolution | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

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