an introduction to open source software. oss & user ed. oss & user ed. oss & user ed....

An Introduction ToOpen Source Software

OSS & User Ed.

OSS & User Ed.Types of

Open Source

Examples

History

Conclusion

Advantages

Open Source Software

HistoryHistory

The term open source describes practices in production and development that promote access to the end product's source materials. Some consider open source a philosophy, others consider it a pragmatic methodology.

The concept of open source and the free sharing of technological information existed long before computers. For example, cooking recipes have been shared since the beginning of human culture. Open source can pertain to businesses and to computers, software and technology.

In the early 1900’s, the Automobile Industry was the first groupto openly share patents to one another.

A similar collaborative process of the 1960s led to the Birth of the Internet in 1969.

As the Internet grew, open source-style software progressed to what we know today.

Types ofOpen Source

Examples

History

Conclusion


AdvantagesMany people like Open Source for many reasons, here is an overview of some of the more important reasons.

Security: Open Source Software suffers from fewer security vulnerabilities than Microsoft products.

Features: Open Source programs tend to have more advanced features and customizability than proprietary products

Cost: Open Source Software is FREE. You can pay nothing for a very high quality product.

Community: In the Open Source development community, any skilled individual can contribute to projects in many ways.

Advantages

SecurityOpen Source Software packages are almost always more secure than proprietary options, especially Microsoft.

For example, the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team has recommended using web browsers other than Microsoft's Internet Explorer, and many people are switching over to the Open Source Firefox web browser for a more secure solution.

Fixed in a considerably shorter amount of time. Updates are released immediately, not on a monthly schedule, and clock in at fewer than 10 MB. Users are notified automatically and prompted to install the update with a single click. The update process doesn’t take more than a minute on a modern computer.

Anyone can contribute and analyze the code making it more secure and constantly increasing the quality.


FeaturesOpen Source programs are often programmed by people who use them, they tend to have much more advanced features that some companies haven’t thought of; or are holding back for future releases.

Advanced Searching & Customization CapabilitiesMore up to date filters, effects and graphic toolsIncreased Security

Some companies don’t release the latest tools and effects to their already paying customers until they repackage the software and sell a new version to them that is pretty much 95% the same. It doesn’t make sense!


CostOpen Source Software is FREE! Anyone can install a Linux operating system with Open Office and you will be able to go online, create documents, spreadsheets and more.

Edit Manipulate and Fix PhotosEdit Audio and VideoCreate Software, Games and more.

A report by the Standish Group states that adoption of open-source software models has resulted in savings of about $60 billion per year for consumers.


CommunityIn the Open Source community, anyone can take the freely available source code, modify it to suit their needs, and release it back into the community.

Other advantages:Forums allow users the opportunity discuss issuesPDF instruction manuals / templatesOnline video tutorials and additional resources are widely made available.

At the heart of open source is one thing: Public Collaboration. Your open source community will build, improve, tear down, rewrite, document, criticize, test, stretch, redefine, and give your software legs and a life that exists way beyond the original authors or any one person. Because of that, your community is your software’s best feature.


OSS & EducationUsers taking advantage of the Open Source platform has so many advantages especially with regards to educating and training themselves.

Some Highlights Increased amount of online tools to help the user. The software can be accessed at home for free. Open Source Software can introduce/offer an alternative to expensive programs.

“In today’s economic and job climate, Open Source Software can help prepare and offer the individual more job qualifications and assets that will better enhance their chances of employment or even creating a small business.”


OSS & User Ed.

Examples

History

Conclusion

History


Types of Open Source LicensesWhat are the differences between three models of "free" software, and why does it matter?

With all the excitement, many people are actually confusing open source software with two other models of "free" software--with potentially serious consequences. Here, we'll try to clear it up.

Types of Open Source

Freeware


The word "freeware" has been so overused, its meaning is no longer clear. Today it is often synonymous with "shareware," but for our purposes, I will define "freeware" as "software which can be downloaded, used, and copied without restrictions.”

Legally, the difference between freeware and open source is that you do not have access to the source code.

Organizationally, this makes a big difference: There is no community and no development infrastructure around "freeware" as there is around open source software. Thus, while you can use freeware "as is," there is no real way to improve upon it or obtain support for it.

Shareware

Shareware is a different concept. You can download and try shareware for free, but if you use it, you are supposed to pay for it. It is developed and released by someone who keeps full control of the intellectual property. The user does not have access to the source code and cannot modify it. There is also no collaboration or community around shareware.

In the end, the only difference between shareware and commercial software is that you can download and try shareware for free. Like commercial software, you are ultimately dependent on the developer of shareware for enhancements and support.

Thus, shareware is "free" as in a "Free Sample”.


Open Source

Open source means that the source code is available to all potential users, and they are free to use, modify, and re-distribute the source code. Legally, the "free" of open source refers exclusively to the source code, and it is possible to have support, services, documentation, and even binary versions which are not monetarily free. (Although some licenses, notably the GPL, requires that the source code always be freely available in such cases.)

In practice, open source usually means that the application is free to users as well as developers. Furthermore, most open source software has communities that support each other and collaborate on development. Therefore, unlike freeware, there are future enhancements, and, unlike shareware, users are not dependent on a single organization.


GoogleThe open source movement has been around for years, but just recently it has received a major boost from one of the biggest companies in the 21st century. Recognizing the vital role that open source software plays at Google, they unveiled a wide variety of options to help develop your own open source project through Open Source Programs Office. Its objective is tasked with maintaining a healthy relationship with the open source software development community.

Google purchased Android in 2005. A major step in placing their name in the Open Source movement.


AndroidAndroid is a large community of developers writing applications ("Apps") that extend the functionality of the devices. Developers write primarily in a customized version of Java. Apps can be downloaded from third-party sites or through online stores such as Google Play (formerly Android Market), the app store run by Google. In June 2012, there were more than 600,000 apps available for Android, and the estimated number of applications downloaded from Google Play was 20 billion.

Android became the world’s leading Smartphone platform at the end of 2010. For the first quarter of 2012, Android had a 59% Smartphone market share worldwide. At the half of 2012, there were 400 million devices activated and 1 million activations per day. Analysts point to the advantage to Android of being a multi-channel, multi-carrier Operating System.


LinuxLinux is an operating system that evolved from a kernel created by Linus Torvalds when he was a student at the University of Helsinki. Linux is an operating system means that it's meant to be used as an alternative to other operating systems, Windows, Mac OS, and others.

Linux is not a program like a word processor and is not a set of programs like an office suite. Linux is an interface between computer/server hardware, and the programs which run on it.

Linux in the spring of 2012 released to favourable reviews it’s most up to date and complete operating system Ubuntu that many believe surpasses Windows and Apple. Creators of the new operating system believes that the operating system will see 20 million new PCs sold with Ubuntu in 2012, and that's not counting people who install it. Also in development is software for mobile devices, TV’s, and more.

Ubuntu is free and it always will be.


Types ofOpen Source

Examples

History

Conclusion

Advantages


ExamplesThe following are some really great examples of Open Source Software that can be beneficial to you.

Examples

Operating SystemJust as there is open source software for computer programs, there is also open source software for the entire computer’s operating system. Introducing you to Ubuntu, it competes with Apple’s OS and Microsoft Windows.

Ubuntu is Super-fast, easy to use and free, the Ubuntu operating system powers millions of desktops, netbooks and servers around the world. Ubuntu does everything you need it to. It'll work with your existing PC files, printers, cameras and MP3 players. And it comes with thousands of free apps.

Advantages: • Thousands of FREE Apps • Built-In Security • Free Upgrades For Life and more.


Web BrowsingMozilla Firefox ( Microsoft Internet Explorer)Firefox is a serious competitor to Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Over the last few years, it has severely diminished IE's dominance. And the latest version of Firefox is better than ever.

Mozilla has heavily overhauled Firefox's look. The entire top area of the window is slimmed down. More of your screen is devoted to viewing Web content.


Safe BrowsingMicrosoft's Internet Explorer ’s is rife with security holes. Many of these security problems have been patched through Windows updates. But new ones continue to appear. I recommend that you switch to the Firefox browser. It's free and inherently safer.

Virus ProtectionThere are tens of thousands of pieces of malware circulating on the Internet. These include viruses, worms, Trojans, other monsters.

To counter malware, use antivirus software. You should only run one antivirus program on your computer. Make sure to keep it updated, as virus definitions are constantly being added.

Virus Protection Software ( Norton Internet Security 2012 - $70) • AVG AntiVirus • avast! • Avira AntiVir Personal • Microsoft Security Essentials • Panda Cloud Antivirus and more.


Computer MaintenanceCCleanerThis program cleans browser tracks and cookies for almost all popular browsers out there, take care of unused icons, invalid shortcuts, DLLs and clean the MRU and recent document history as well.

RunScannerRunScanner is a completely free windows system utility which scans your system for all configured running programs. You can use runscanner to detect autostart programs, spyware, adware, homepage hijackers, unverified drivers and other problems.

Spybot - Search & DestroySpybot can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean programs and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer with other users.


General Tasks for PCFile Compression7-Zip7-Zip is an open source file archiver. 7-Zip operates with the 7z archive format, but can read and write several other archive formats such as: ZIP, RAR, CAB, APM and more.

File EncryptionTrueCryptIncrease security by password protecting any file with a password. A secure way to prevent data to get in the wrong hands.

PDF ConversionPDFForgePDFCreator is a free tool to create PDF files from nearly any Windows application, merge multiple files into one PDF.

Website & HTML Builder and EditorKompozer (PC/MAC)KompoZer is a complete web authoring system that combines web file management and easy-to-use WYSIWYG web page editing.


General Tasks for MACFile CompressionThe UnarchiverUncompress RAR, 7zip, tar, and bz2 files on your Mac. Many new Mac users will be puzzled the first time they download a RAR file. Do them a favor and download UnRarX for them!

CD/DVD BurningBurnCD and DVD Burner. Burn any video to a disc that plays in your DVD player!

PDF ConversionCalibre (PC/MAC)Calibre is a free and open source e-book library management application developed by users of e-books.

Website & HTML Builder and EditorBlue GriffonVisual tool for making websites (WYSIWYG html editor), comparable to Dreamweaver.


EmailThunderbird (Microsoft Outlook $110)This powerful, lightweight email program makes creating and organizing email a snap. Use the Lightning extension to add a powerful calendar feature.

Claws Mail (Microsoft Outlook $110)Claws Mail is a cross platform email client with a lot of interesting features including support for RSS and newsgroups.

See also SpiceBird (Freeware/Beta)


Office AlternativesLibreOffice ( Microsoft Office $120 to $300)This free productivity suite contains a word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation software and much more. Even better, it can open your Microsoft Office documents and save them in Office formats.

Open Office ( Microsoft Office $120 to $300)A multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an open-source project. Compatible with all other major office suites, free to download, use, and distribute.


Desktop PublishingScribus (Microsoft Publisher $140/Adobe inDesign $700)This is a great free tool for creating brochures, magazines and newsletters – and just about any other print publications. It contains all the features you need to turn your ideas into published reality.


Accounting / BudgetingGnuCash (QuickBooks Pro/Quicken $230/$30) Don't spend a lot of money for software to manage the money you have left after buying these programs. This powerful free accounting software lets you handle personal or business finances with ease.

TurboCash(QuickBooks Pro/Quicken $230/$30) TurboCASH .7 is an accounting package distributed under General Public Licence (GPL). It is one of the world’s first fully-featured open source accounts packages for small business.


Free ClipArt ImagesOpen ClipArt Library ( Microsoft Clip Art)Openclipart is the largest collaboration community that create, share and remix cliparts. All cliparts are released to the Public Domain so they can be freely used in any project for free.

In comparison to Microsoft Clip Art, the images are more up to date and stronger in appearance.


Pro Photo RetouchingGimp (Adobe Photoshop $670) Like Photoshop, this free program can handle digital art, photo editing, website design and much more. It may not have some of Photoshop's most advanced features, but it is free and all many people will need.

Artweaver (Adobe Photoshop $670) Photoshop is a favourite of digital artists because of its versatile brush system. Get the same flexibility with this great free art program.


Photo RetouchingRAWTherapee (Adobe Lightroom - $300) For high-quality photos, many photographers shoot in RAW format. This program gives plenty of editing tools for turning your RAW files into quality finished products.


Other Photo Tools


Illustration/DrawingInkscape (Corel Draw/Adobe Illustrator - $400/$580) Vector graphics are a staple of logo and Web design. Create top-notch vector images with this powerful free program.

Pinta (Corel Draw/Adobe Illustrator - $400/$580) A drawing/editing program modeled after Paint.NET. Its goal is to provide a simplified alternative to GIMP for casual users.


Video PlaybackVideo Converter

Miro Video ConverterConvert any type of video to mp4 or theora. Convert any video for use with iPhone, iPod, Android, etc. Very clean, easy to use interface.

Video Playback

MiroBeautiful interface. Plays any video type (much more than windows media player). Subscribe to video RSS, download, and watch all in one. Search and download from YouTube and others.

VLCPlays more video files than most players: Quicktime, AVI, DIVX, OGG, and more. Pretty good interface.


Video EditingLive Movie Maker (Basic Video Editing Suite $100)Even personal home videos can benefit from some editing. This simple program lets you arrange your video, add sound, create credits and more.Lightworks (Adobe Premier $800)Want to take your videos to new heights? This free, professional video-editing software was good enough to be used on last year's Oscar-winning movie, The King's Speech.


Music / mp3Songbird ( Apple iTunes - Free) Sure iTunes is a free, capable media organizer. However, it doesn't work well with non-Apple products. Instead, use Songbird. It supports more file types, can import iTunes libraries and can support more types of mp3/media players.


Audio EditingAudacity (ProTools - $250) Audacity is a free, easy-to-use and multilingual audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. You can use Audacity to:

• Record live audio.• Digitize tapes and records• Edit MP3, WAV, other audio files.• Cut, copy, splice & mix sounds.• Alter and Effect a recording. And more!


3D AnimationBlender (Maya $3500)Interested in 3-D computer modeling? Look no further than this powerful, free modeling program. It contains all the tools you need to make 3-D models, scenes, animations and even games.


Types ofOpen Source

Examples

History

Conclusion

Advantages


ConclusionOpen Source Software can be an amazing tool for us to learn and be creative.

These tools can help us prepare for future employment, business ventures and more.

Open Source is not just about FREE software, but becoming part of a community and idea, that meshes with the ideology of the public information and collaboration.Conclusion

Links


http://opensource.org/

http://osliving.com/

http://opensourceschools.org.uk/

http://opensourcewindows.org/

http://opensourcemac.org/

http://opensource.com/

http://sourceforge.net/

http://opensourcematters.org/

http://download.cnet.com/windows/

http://www.oswd.org/

http://opensource.apple.com/

an introduction to open source software. oss & user ed. oss & user ed. oss & user ed....

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