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Social Source Commons is a place to share lists of software tools that you already use, gain knowledge and support, and discover new tools. It's a place to meet people with similar needs and interests and answer the question: what tools do they use?

I have been using this tool for a few months and I think it's wonderful. It is free, and the folder sharing tool could be a huge benefit to the African research community. Let's try to spread the word and get it onto the desktops of African researchers.

FrontlineSMS is award-winning free, open source software that turns a laptop and a mobile phone into a central communications hub. Once installed, the program enables users to send and receive text messages with groups of people through mobile phones. What you communicate is up to you, making FrontlineSMS useful in many different ways. HOW IS FRONTLINESMS DIFFERENT? * It does not require an Internet connection. * It works with your existing plan on all GSM phones, modems and networks. * Attach a phone and SIM card, and pay your local operator per SMS as usual. * It is laptop-based so it can be used on the road or during power outages. * It stores all phone numbers and records all incoming and outgoing messages. * All data lives on a local computer, not on servers controlled by someone else. * It is scalable. Messages can be sent to individuals or large groups. * It enables two-way communication, useful for fieldwork or during surveys. * It is easy to install and requires little or no training to use. * Developers can freely take the source code and add their own features. * It can be used anywhere in the world simply by switching the SIM card. HOW CAN IT BE USED? * Human rights monitoring * Disaster relief coordination * Natural resource management * Election monitoring * Emergency alerts * Mobilising task forces * Field data collection * Conducting public surveys * Health care info requests * Agricultural price updates * Organizing protests * Mobile education programs * Coordinating fundraising efforts * Providing weather updates * And more... how will YOU use it?

Blog entry where a case for increasing the human capital in Africa to develop software, open source if posible.. It also criticizes compsnies and NGOs on hindering local progress

Science and technology networks in the following categories: - Government agencies - International bodies - Networking tools and organisations - Non-governmental organisations - Publications and information services - Research initiatives and academic groups