"A Free Software System know as "GONUX" was launched on July 2nd by the Free Software Consortium ( www.FSC.cc ), a global organization dedicated to the promotion and commercialisation of free software.

"GONUX is a compilation of programs widely used by public sector offices in Brazil, Argentina and Spain. It contains the GNU/Linux Operating System and server, an Office-like suite called Open Office, email and instant messenger, a calendar, a database, a web browser application and many other programs.

"All these applications have been used and tested previously in dozens of Latin American and European users at Public Sector offices, in order to certify their functionality. They have all been designed by highly talented programmers from all around the world. GONUX is meant to be a common free government operating system platform for public sector offices worldwide, both server and client-side.

"Therefore, 'GONUX is a big step towards the implementation of a *common Free Software platform* in the public sector around the world', says, Marie Lopardo FSC's Communications and Marketing Coordinator.

"To obtain a full version of GONUX visit Gonux.fsc.cc and register for it.

"The Free Software Consortium is offering technical assistance for GONUX users. For more information, please email gonux@fsc.cc"

- Willy Smith, reporting from Costa Rica