Idea - EMUG member benefit

[ny]

Few days back, I was wondering what is the "tangible" benefit of becoming a member of EMUG. Sure, we get to be part of a community and get help from other EMUGgers, but you can get help from any other group on the net. Yeah, we have member discounts from iStyle, which one may not avail ever.

What everyone uses, however, is applications beyond the standard ones provided by Apple . There is a fantastic variety of Freeware and Shareware software apps available, yet one may not every one of them. Though "Shuffle" magazine carries reviews of few apps in each issue, it might be better to keep a collection of all the Freeware and Shareware accessible from a single source. Sites such as versiontracker.com, tucows.com do that already, but then to download from them you have to go through hoops to download each software.

I suggest we could compile a master list of all the Freeware and Shareware, along with the reviews (Emiratesmac reviews or reviews from the net) and put it in a DVD and distribute it to members of EMUG as a membership benefit. We can provide an updated DVD every 6 months or so. That way, all EMUG members have access to all the available Mac apps. This resource will be extremely useful for hard to find apps - especially any Arabic freeware or shareware.

I have discussed this with Magnus during the Music event in Abu Dhabi iStyle store, and he endorses the idea. For lack of time, he can not pursue it and so we need to find volunteers to handle this project. I can volunteer for this project but would ideally need help from others. The first task in this project is to create a Skeleton catalog (the directory structure , meaning folders where respective applications go, whether it is browsers or ftp apps or office apps or IM etc).

Please throw in your ideas and comments

[Magnus]

I think it's a good idea, here are some ideas and thoughts of mine:
- It needs someone in charge of this, to coordinate between members, keep the master disk image up to date, etc.
- It could be supplemented with a column in shuffle, that gives information about the disk, how to get it (become a member), and list what's recently been updated, or showcase a couple of applications.
- The content of the disk could be listed in a special forum on the site, where suggestions and feedback could be given.
- Perhaps even a DMG of the disk could be made available for download.
- Eventually (funds and time permitting) a disk could be included with shuffle.
- The disk could contain the PDF files of shuffle, and other material we have or will produce.

[dandantheitman]

To start with the easiest way to do it, would be to post a list to the site, which lists all the apps in alphabetical order, a description of what they do, a list of their dependencies, and a link to the application.

Dan

[hyder]

Brilliant idea ny!

We can start a thread where members can suggest softwares to be included in the DVD every 6 months.

The directory structure should not be an issue, I believe. I thing that first we need to figure what softwares would really benefit people. For example, like you said, Arabic apps are prolly the hard to find.

We can start compiling the list by starting off with cannot-do-without-apps like firefox, various ims, facebook/myspace addons, etc.


Luckily, as mac users, can save a lot of dvd space ignoring spyware, anti-virus, firewall solutions

[Magnus]

Good ideas Hyder and Dan. Now, who wants to be take charge of this new project?

[hyder]

Good ideas Hyder and Dan. Now, who wants to be take charge of this new project?

LoL!... good question!

I'd have loved to, but I barely get any free time these days!

Though I'm always there to provide any assistance! Count me in on the team!

[dandantheitman]

HI Guys,

Right I shall start the project off by submitting a list to Magnus, and ask him to post it to the LUG. The list shall contain mac usable software (any special commands that might be needed to run such as wireshark) and where you go to get it. I shall get a prelimnary list done and posted next week.

Dan

[hyder]

W2G Dan, you're an inspiration!

[Marchies]

So mainly what does a person have to do to be in charge..xD?

[Magnus]

I would guess someone in charge would have to keep a sort of master copy of all software, descriptions, etc. and try to keep it up to date with the latest versions of everything. Then they would have to add software that's been recommended, and remove software that is no longer wanted or available. If we're doing actual disks, then they would be in charge of keeping a master copy of the disk and burn disks as well perhaps.

These are just ideas, and depending on what we decide to do, they may or may not apply.

Thanks Dan for the initiative, I'll look forward to the list. It will be a great starting point, I'm sure.