Background

Background

Anyone can change or share open source software. Linux is the most successful example of open source. Schools don't need to use Linux to use open source software.

What does "open" mean? Open source software is a special kind of software. A program is open source if it comes with the source code or if the source code is easily accessible (e.g. can be downloaded). A programmer needs the source code to fix or change a program.

What does "free" really mean? Most educators who use open source software don't try to change it. They believe the biggest advantage is saving money. Open source software usually costs nothing to download and educators can share copies with whomever they like, technically and legally. The overall cost of any software includes more than the price. This total cost of ownership (TCO) may be less for some open source solutions.

The open source community... The open source community uses the Internet to collaborate on creating and improving software. The rapid growth of the Internet has depended on open source software.

Schools don't need to use Linux

The open source community is trying to create software alternatives for popular purposes. While some proponents are fanatical, most are more pragmatic in how they create and use software. Linux is the most popular open source software and is marketed as an alternative to Microsoft Windows. Schools don't have to use Linux to use open source software. There are many open source programs for use with Microsoft Windows or Apple Macintosh.

Here are some common proprietary programs and their open source alternatives. Versions of these programs can run on Microsoft Windows or Apple Macintosh.

Purpose	Proprietary Software	Open Source Software
Operating system	Microsoft Windows	Linux
Web browser	Internet Explorer	Mozilla
Office suite	Microsoft Office	OpenOffice.org
Image editor	Adobe Photoshop	GIMP
Web server	Microsoft IIS	Apache

 

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Open Options is a product of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. These materials are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. The following acknowledgment is requested on materials which are reproduced: Developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, Oregon.

This Web site was developed and maintained by the Northwest Educational Technology Consortium. The federal funding for the regional technology consortia program ended on September 30, 2005, and no further updates are planned unless additional funding becomes available. However, much of the content is still useful and NWREL will continue to provide access to this site to support educators and to meet its own technical assistance needs.