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Whatwe've done.Launched in February 2011, EPFSUG has already grown to having 4 MEPs as Patrons, 14 people working in the EP have joined as Members, and we have 39 supporters outside the EP.We've developed the tmail software to allow staff and MEPs to access their email with free software, which brings security and privacy improvements.We've developed Parltrack which shows the status of legislation and who's tabling what amendments.We've organised many events in the Parliament and interest from the EU institutions goes right to the top! We've had MEPs, a Director-General, a Head of Unit, and many other high-level staff. Topics have included the FreedomBox, free software in the EP, CiviCRM, Parltrack, how to put a completely free system on Android phones, and Ubuntu's Unity interface.The discussion of free software use inside the EP has finally begun! GGet involved!TThis all gets done by volunteers like you. The more help we get, the more free software there'll be in the EP. (See back of flyer for a list of tasks.)MeetingsAs well as EP events, we frequently meet outside the EP. Usually it's for carrot cake at lunchtime in Karsmakers. Meetings and events are announced on the website and the mailing list, and everyone's welcome.Contact usIf you want to join EPFSUG, or just join our discussions, go to these websites:• Main site: epfsug.eu - contains info about events, services, and becoming a member• Etherpad: pad.epfsug.eu - collaborative writing tool• Mailing list:.epfsug.eu/www/lists - where most collaboration starts xFree Software and the EP need each otherXFree software can make the EP's workings more transparent and ensure that all procedures, written documents, and multimedia files are in formats that can be supported by any software. The EP could examine what the software does, perform security audits, and copy it to new computers without seeking licences.It would free the EP from lock-in so that the EP's software could be developed, modified, and supported internally or by any external company, including Europe's small- and medium-sized businesses. And by publishing its software as free software, the EP's IT spending becomes an investment for everyone.At the same time, a better understanding of free software inside the European Parliament would be very helpful when it comes to writing laws about copyright, patents, IT procurement, open standards, and other topics touching computing and the Internet.
Use the edgestrong man!