Administering Computers With Limited or No Internet

Computers remain a valuable tool independent of their use as a portal to the Internet.  But our experiences in São Tomé are demonstrating the challenges of administering computers that have limited or no Internet access (this includes computers on fast last mile connections like ADSL, but with slow Internet to the whole country, as is the case in Sao Tome).

First, Windows is highly susceptible to viruses unless an up-to-date antivirus software is used on the computer.  But we are discovering that even with dialup-speed Internet access, antivirus programs are unable to download the database updates needed to block the newest viruses.  Many of these viruses can spread through USB flash drives, which are prevalent on island.  As a result, even our laptops brought from the United States with the best commercial antivirus software available were becoming unusable because of viruses spread through USB flash drives.  Once infected, removing the viruses required downloads of special software, something difficult given slow Internet to São Tomé as a whole.

Second, while debatably Linux remains safe from viruses, it has become dependent on the Internet for installation.  There was a day when installing programs on Linux was a difficult process requiring specialized knowledge to turn plain text files into executable binary files.  Today, package managers have been critical in streamlining and simplifying installation.  But in researching how to install applications offline, I discovered that interdependencies between programs and the decentralized update process of those programs, necessitates a careful consolidation by the package manager to assure what is being installed integrates properly with what is already installed.  This consolidation depends on access to an Internet-based database and Internet-based installation files.  The recommendation is that installation first occur on an online computer, that the installation files be captured on that computer, and then transferred to offline computers that otherwise have identical software versions.  But what if downloads to the whole nation slow, and the only recourse is to distribute installation disks for single applications?
Access to high speed Internet is no longer just a requirement to access the vast resources of knowledge stored there, but it has also become a cornerstone for simple and effective administration of computers.  But while this may foster inclusion of many more people into a technology-based society, it is also unintentionally excluding others who do not have access to the necessary base network infrastructure needed to properly administer their computers.

The Birth of an Independent Nation

In 1975 Sao Tome and Principe was granted its Independence from Portugal.  Multi-party elections were first held in the early ’90’s.  Yesterday we were priviledged to meet Henrique Pinto DE COSTA.  He is not only a scholar, but also a wonderful orator who brings to life the history of Sao Tome and Principe and also keen insights into how that history deeply influences the country today.  It is told in first person by someone who has lived through that history.  We so often forget how deeply history impacts the present and future, and it is good to have scholars like Henrique who are passionate to not only understand such impacts but to also share their knowledge in any and all ways possible.

Prior to independence, Sao Tome was divided into a complex set of regions which supported plantations, with each plantation in a region owned by a different individual or corporation.  Managers reported to the foreign owners; they had the power to decide who lived where and even who could travel and when.  Workers on the plantation essentially lived isolated lives from those on other plantations.  Their strongest identity was typically with their country of origin from which they were taken.

Today, national Sao Tomean identity remains limited.  Travel from plantations to the main cities for commerce and also inter-marriages have begun to change that some.  But there isn’t a clear vision for what it means to be Sao Tomean around which citizens can rally.  Further, civil society often still awaits direction from the government in keeping with the hierarchical control of just a few decades ago.

Sao Tome’s birth as an independent nation is ongoing as efforts continue to establish a united national identity and to engage citizens to become more engaged as active participants in civil society.  It is amazing to be present to see that happening and to be involed in very small ways.

Why I am in São Tomé

I have come across two quotes that I believe capture in large extent the great value I find in traveling to a place like São Tomé, a place quite different from my home town in many ways (although the more I am here, the less different it really seems).

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

- Lilla Watson,
Aboriginal elder, educator, and activist

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

- Paul in his letter to the Philippians, first chapter.

In his book “Travel as Political Act”, Rick Steves points out that travel not only can change us in many wonderful and positive ways, but it also can significantly impact our communities as we return home with changed perspectives regarding our own communities.  Unless I challenge myself by going to places that are far outside my daily experience and that put me outside of my comfort zone, my knowledge and depth-of-insight will not grow more and more, and my love will be immature and limited as well.  I go not to serve, but I go because my liberation from my self-centered, self-serving, parochial view of the world is bound up with the liberation of those whom I go to meet and to form partnerships.  And in so doing, I am also able to better serve in my home communities to which I belong.

Laughing Readily

The people I know in Sao Tome:

• laugh readily;
• argue passionately; and
• complain rarely

A people who face chronic un-/under-employment, a lower quality of health care, and the other typical challenges of a developing nation have much to teach us.  Elves says his country is a great country because if someone found themselves stranded here with just $1, they would find that they will be fed, will have a place to stay, and will find friends to laugh with.  I believe it, for the culture here is that everybody is family, everything is shared, everything is appreciated.

We travelled today to a resort island on the equator.  It was a 2 1/2 hour bus ride and another 30 minute boat ride.  With us travelled a Sao Tomean family.  We ended up eating our lunch at the same time.  At the end of their meal, they brought out a birthday cake they had brought with them from Sao Tome so they could celebrate the 50th birthday of one of the women.  She made a point to carry a piece of cake to each of us in the restaurant, as well as to the servers and cooks.  It was such a joy to celebrate her birthday with her.  It is nice to come to Sao Tome and find so many family members!