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In part I we examined some of the issues facing FLOSS in Eastern Europe. In this article we'll look more closely at how interested parties keep the playing field uneven and discourage the adoption of FLOSS solutions that might be more appropriate for this part of the world.

Why isn't Free Software seeing more rapid growth in Eastern Europe? One might think that Eastern Europe would be fertile ground for Linux and Free Software. Conventional wisdom suggests that in areas where populations are well-educated but have fewer economic resources, Linux would be an attractive option. One would think that better, more reliable code and lower costs would result in wide adoption; but this is not enough, and Free Software faces an uphill struggle in these regions.

This issue of The Voice comes to us courtesy of Dr. John Watson, of whom most of you know as the chronicler of the cases of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Watson has written for the Voice before in The Adventure of the Maladaptive Avis; but this time, he offers us a Little Diversion. And as a special treat, if you are able to solve the puzzle below, as Holmes did, you may be the winner of a copy of an O'Reilly Publishing book of your choice. Check the contest rules below to see how to enter and have a chance to win. So get out your pencils, put on your thinking cap, and try to match wits with Holmes.

Almost inevitably the question arises: Is Linux ready for the desktop? Just about everyone has the answer to this question. We thought it was time to put an end to the debate, to resolve the issue once and for all. To do this we decided to put the question to some of the greatest scientists of all time, for what better authorities are there than the finest thinkers, the keenest minds ever to grace us with their thoughts.

Berlin economist, Dr. Gregory Rimini, offers some interesting insights into the phenomenon of FOSS. The perspective is that of someone with first hand experience living under Communism.