Open source is something that I am just becoming familiar with in the last semester or so. I do remember when I was in college (orginally) my husband using shareware software but never really gave it a whole lot of thought. I am now beginning to understand that shareware may have been the beginning of open source applications even though today there are differences between the two.
There are several different types of applications including opens source, free ware and proprietary. Open source applications are ones that are available to anyone and are free for your use. However, the unusual idea behind open source is that anyone can update, change, add, etc to the software. Everyone works together to make the software better. Freeware or shareware is sometimes free but it does not allow other people to adapt or change the software. Propriety software of course is going to cost money to pay for the license and does not allow for any changes.
For an open source application to be approved as on open source it must go through OSI (open source initiative). OSI is the keeper of the definition of open source documents and also is the one to approve and review license. You can find more information about this organization at: http://www.opensource.org/
One of the first open source documents that I found was Mozilla. This is an internet web browser and would be similar to Internet Explorer. My husband is a strong supporter of Mozilla and I must admit I had no idea it was an open source document until I started researching for this blog. I don’t really notice much difference between Mozilla and Explorer so I think it would be a great substitute for someone needing a no cost web browser. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
Another source that I was introduced to last semester was Open Office. I used it for one project and it worked well. Open Office would be compared to Microsoft Office in that it has applications similar to word, excel, power point, etc. Obviously, this would be a huge benefit to students, families and school because of the cost savings. It would introduce students to word processing and spreadsheets and would allow them to easily transfer what they have learned to Microsoft products when it became available to them. http://why.openoffice.org/why_edu.html
Haven't used OpenOffice yet. My alternative to Word is Google Docs. Does pretty much the same thing. I saw a YOUTUBE on the OpenOffice and it also looks pretty much the same as MS Office. And thnks for the OS link. I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby swears by OpenOffice, but I just can't fall in love with it for some reason. I think part of it is because I like to use a lot of shortcuts, and some of theme are very different in OpenOffice compared to Word.
ReplyDeleteGreat explanation, Michelle! Just FYI, not all OS are free. Still open code but you gotta pay a bit for some.
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