[ubuntu-za] Downloads, repos and CDs

[helge.reikeras at gmail.com]

On Mon, Apr 11, 2011 at 9:38 AM, Bill Cairns <cairnsww at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Sun, Apr 10, 2011 at 10:02 PM, David Rubin <drubin at ubuntu.com> wrote:
>
> I am in Modimolle (Nylstroom) and as far as I know the only other
> Ubuntu users around here are the few that I look after and feed with
> CDs.
>
> I have added myself to the list.
>
> I feel that the need for some kind of broadband connection is quite
> important - it is not just the basic system that one needs to
> download, but also all the nice goodies that are available on the
> repositories and which really make the difference between Ubuntu (or
> Linux in general) and Windows. Without that connection, we have little
> extra to offer the ordinary user.
>
> I confess that I have not even tried to connect an Ubuntu machine
> through 3G. Are there some clear instructions about connecting through
> a cell phone available? It is not that intuitive under Windows.
>
> Bill
>
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> ubuntu-za at lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-za
>

Hi Bill

I see there are WUGs in Pretoria [1] and Johannesburg [2]. At least on
the CT-WUG the Ubuntu images and repositories are available without
you having to worry about capping. Of course, there is some initial
capex involved when obtaining the equipment, but beyond that it is
free.

Mesh networks [3] might be an interesting low-cost solution if the
density of Ubuntu users is sufficiently high an area. Then one person
on the network (ideally someone with access to uncapped ADSL or a
university network) can mirror the images and repositories and share
with the rest of the network.

Mobile tethering on Ubuntu is often possible, but eventually depends
on the support for the specific mobile device. It might require some
hacking to get working. Also, it might be a bit expensive to go this
route if you want to upgrade a lot.

Regards,
Helge

[1] http://www.ptawug.co.za/
[2] http://www.jawug.org.za/
[3] http://www.villagetelco.org/