Austria: Eclectic Tech Carnival 2005 Invitation

Calling all women to participate in the 4th annual /Eclectic Tech Carnival (/etc for short) at the ESC Cultural Centre in Graz. A unique computer
skill-share. A five day-night carnival of exchanging computer related skills for women by women.

Our theme this year is Networking both physically and technically; with
Translocal Communication tools from open source chatting and blogging software
to building secure local area networks for organising both locally and
globally.

Program Topics for this year:
1. Free & Open Source Software - the concept, plus examples for all operating
systems.
2. Linux installation (ubuntu, debian) and Live CD distro Dynebolic.
3. Web Development - text editors, HTML, CSS and web-based content management
systems.
4. Chat and Communication Software - IRC, jabber, Gnome Meeting, silc.
5. PC Hardware - building a computer; no one will take the screwdriver out of
your hand in this workshop.
6. Networking and Security Issues.
7. Special Topics and Performances - Loom Weaving, Ethnoblogging, Streaming
Sound and Video, using Puredata, Keyworx and Upstage for net collaborations.
8. Some local recreational excursion - we can't always be sitting at the
computers.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about computers and how tech stuff works?
Never dared to open your best friend's computer? Ever started repairing your
bicycle but was stopped by a gentleman's helping hand? Always wanted to know
more about Free and Open Source Software? Want to meet other women who love
playing with bits and bytes, hardware and software?

Then the /etc is for you!

We only use Free and Open Source software. Software that you can use and
improve because the code is not kept secret.

It will be okay to break things and to ask questions.
No one will tell you to RTFM (Read The F-ing Manual).
It will exhilarate and exhaust.
There will be communication barriers, but we intend to challenge them.

The /etc is organised by volunteers from Austria, Spain, Italy, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA, Serbia-Monte Negro, Slovenia,
Germany, Brazil. Practically, English will be the default language of the event
but please don't let this keep you from joining us! For courses we will try
other languages.

The location is not yet prepared for wheel-chairs, but we are willing to give
assistance. Child-care assistance will be provided.

Registration:
http://eclectictechcarnival.org/2005/regform.html

Accommodation:
Bring sleeping gear with you; meals will be arranged collectively at the time.
We will do our best to accommodate your needs in terms of diet and childcare,
but you must tell us in advance (on registration form). Please fill-out the
registration form with as much detail as possible.

Fees:
There is a small conference fee. Donations towards further costs are, of
course, always welcome!!

For information requests, email us at:
info@eclectictechcarnival.org

We hope to hear from you soon and to see you there.

The /etc development team.