Hackers unite in celebration of software freedom

Monday, 15 September 2008, 1:28 pm
Press Release: Software Freedom Day

15 September 2008

International event: Software Freedom Day 08

The best and brightest software programmers will converge on the Wellington Town Hall this weekend for a day of dedicated hacking at Software Freedom Day '08.

More than 150 software enthusiasts from around the country are set to attend the event - including leading programmers, website development teams, and open source advocates.

Software Freedom Day '08 is part of an international initiative celebrating open source software - that is, software that is developed through a transparent peer-review process, independent of commercial organisations. The software is free to use and can be shared among multiple users.

Among the presenters are technology business advisor Nathan Torkington, who ran the first web server in New Zealand; Jill Wilson from Wellington-based international e-learning company CWA New Media; and Brenda Wallace, pioneer of New Zealand's 'hacking and programme development network'.

"Software Freedom Day gives Kiwis an easy way to investigate, learn, and share knowledge around open source software," says Nathan Torkington, host of Software Freedom Day '08.

"If you've ever been curious about it, or just wanted something better than what you've got, come on by. The event is open to everyone - not just programmers. It's a great chance to learn more about open source software and meet the Kiwis who are changing the face of software."

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The event will also feature an 'open source barcamp' and 'hackfest' offering participants the opportunity to demonstrate open source software, get open source software (such as Linux) installed on their computer, and discuss their experiences of developing and using open source software.

All those registered for Software Freedom Day '08, will also have the chance to win an $895 'golden ticket' to WebStock '09 and associated swag (thanks to the generosity of the WebStock team).

Software Freedom Day '08 is proudly sponsored by Unlimited Potential, CWA New Media, New Zealand Open Source Society (NZOSS), SuperHappyDevHouse, WellyLUG, Ideegeo, Morphoss, Cafenet, Catalyst IT, Sun Microsystems, 920, Grow Wellington, Gen-i, Silverstripe, and Xero.

Software Freedom Day '08 Saturday 20 September Wellington Town Hall 12 noon to 6pm

For more information or to register please visit: www.softwarefreedomday.org.nz

ENDS

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