[FSF India] Re: [Reader-list] Re: [LIG] Re: WB Govt ties up with MSFT

[Suraj Kumar S.]

Hello Mr. Chatterjee,

First of all, let me take this opportunity to educate you that, there is no
operating system called Linux. IT IS ONLY A KERNEL. The operating system
which is popular as Linux is actually GNU/Linux. please visit gnu.org.in (or)
gnu.org for more details.

On Mon, Aug 06, 2001 at 02:00:37PM +0530, Joy Chatterjee wrote:
> "Where as in case of GNU/Linux anyone can add the Indian Language layer 
> depending on the needs."
> Its all theory but in reality MS Office has a hindi version but any Linux 
> software do not have any hindi version, Quark Express is also working on a 
> hindi version but Linux doesn't even have any publishing software like 
> QuarkExpress (and also web designing software), forget about Indian versions.
> It is more over frustrating to see that there is no alternative of server 
> end bitstream technology for easy viewing of indian web pages in Linux. But 
> truth is IE has!

The support that you are talking about in the above mentioned propritory 
softwares is little. And let me tell you that, even if they give some support,
you will have to remain confined to that - zero enhancements, zero customization
, zero room for additions. You will be in a JAIL.

> So I don't know how Linux people claim that Linux has more scope in Indian 
> language, where as proprietary models are already working on it !!!

There are a number of FreeSoftware projects running aimed at creating 
softwares for GNU/Linux in Indian Languages. Iam myself involved in one called 
Project Indigo - a project aimed at making GNU-Linux a viable platform for 
Indic computing.
As part of the project, developments are in progress for creating/adopting
various tools like - editor, browser etc. (Refer: inapp.com/indigo for more 
details). 

-suraj