What is open source?

The United States is one of the few countries in the world that relies heavily on commercially licensed software and operating systems (Windows, Apple OS). Among other things, this means that the “cost of computing” is much higher in our country than it needs to be! The availability of open source applications helps reduce digital inequities: These tools are available to anyone with an Internet connection, or they can be downloaded and installed from CD.

Open Source operating systems (like Ubuntu) may also run more efficiently than Windows on older computers, so even those with older equipment can have up-to-date tools and resources.

Open source software is different from commercial software in several ways:

        1) Open source software is free, and can be distributed without cost.

        2) The “code” (programming language) for open source applications can be modified by any user who knows how. What this means to the average user is that there are often “customized”  versions of an application as well as a multitude of add-ons and plug-ins written by small developers. In the end, this makes the programs more flexible to meet user needs, and the number of available programs is substantial.

        3) Because open source software development is not based on profit or “product release schedules”, these tools are often more complete and updated more frequently (example: Open Office was able to convert “docx” files before Microsoft released a converter!)

        4) Open source software is developed as a collaborative effort (vs. “in competition”) between programmers around the world, and this factor encourages international sharing, communication and collaboration. Because there is no “company” releasing open source software (i.e. no phone support), the open source community supports itself and open source users through online forums and discussion groups.

 

Free and Open Source Applications

Some programs are distributed free but are not truly "open." Many open source applications are available for Windows and Apple computers, although open source operating systems (Linux, Ubuntu, Debian) contain many tools not available to others. Commonly used applications and alternatives to commercially licensed software:

AVG Antivirus (free, not open) – Strong protection against viruses (for Windows computers only)

Firefox – One of the most popular browsers on any platform, supports a wide variety of plug-ins and add-ons developed by independent programmers.

Thunderbird - a full featured email client

AbiWord – a “lightweight” (fast to load, quick response) word processor

OpenOffice – A free office suite (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation) completely compatible with MS Office.

NeoOffice – OpenOffice for the MacIntosh

VUE – Concept diagram/graphic organizer a la Inspiration

Scribus – Desktop publishing a la MS Publisher

KompoZer – Web editing and development tool

Audacity – Sound recording, editing and mixing

Google Earth (free, not open) - Geography & more through satellite images 

Google Sketchup (free, not open) - 3D drawing tool 

Inkscape – 2D drawing program

GIMP – Advanced image editor a la PhotoShop (supports layered images, filters, etc.)

Blender – 3D drawing/animation tool (somewhat complex)

Scratch – an animation tool developed to teach students the logic of computer programming.

Stellarium – Easy to use, 3D Planetarium software

GCompris - Educational software package for younger students

Moodle - free course-management interface