What is it all about?

[genesys]

Hi Everyone,

I just stumbled onto this link from the Hellkom site.
I've pretty much read through every single post on the site so far, but still remain clueless about what it's all about.
From the bits I have been able to pick up, it sounds exciting and the more people on-board, the better?

Maybe we can use this thread to let n00bs (like me) know what the purpose is, aims, goals, benefits, etc? In a line: "Why people should bother."

So if those in the know could take some time out to reply to this post with some much needed background info, it would be appreciated MUCHLY!

Heres some questions of the top of my head:
1) What is the point of wirelessly connecting in CT? What are the benefits?
2) WHO will benefit and how?
3) Is access restricted, and if so, when and why? Can anyone link up? Would they need specialised equipment?
4) What is most needed to make it all work?
5) Are there any legal restrictions and legislation to be aware of?

Also just a quick note: I know its a pain, but the first time you use an abbreviation in a post, can you put the unabbreviated bit in brackets? Like... I use an AP (Access Point). It just makes things more readable for those who are not clued up and dont deal with these terms on a daily basis. Or maybe someone can start up a post with the key abbreviations explained, and everyone can add to it.

Thanks!

[savagedavid]

I'll start an abbreviations post since I am big time guilty on this!

[genesys]

Thanks savagedavid.

After sending the above post, I had a look at Jawug : http://www.jawug.za.net/Terminology
Nice little list there.

They also answered quite a few of my questions about hardware. (Altho I still think its a good idea to have that info on the CTWUG as well)

It didnt answer any of my questions on use and benefits tho.

For example, on my network, I have a total of about 4000 GB of information - comprising hardware whitepapers, equipment manuals and FAQ sheets in PDF, large collections of hardware drivers from the last 10 years, software updates (freely available on the net - some HUGE in size), public domain music & movies, etc.
It would be good to make this resource available to people - particularly since Telkom's Nov 1st capping disaster, with everyone running to save bandwidth.

Of course, theres lots of other stuff that cant be made publicly available, 'cept over my network, which is why I asked about the legality of it all. (Ex. I have a streaming MP3 server and my entire collection of music and videos (and music videos!) are on the server machines, for my own personal use. (Legal since I own the originals.)

So yeh, any thoughts on this? What are people who are linked up at the moment doing with their connection and with other connected people?

Is there anyone using it to do local VOIP? I imagine that would be a huge benefit. If I wanted to talk to a buddy of mine across the city, I could either pick up the landline and pay per minute, or... if he's connected as well... free call over wireless?

So yes, would be very interesting to see what people are using it for, atm.