Free and Open Source SoftwareFree and Open

Source SoftwareLeaders: Chapter 8

Technology and the AdministratorChris Cerulli

Summer 2012

What is it???What is it???Free Software and Open Source Software = same phenomenon

“Free software is a matter of the users’ freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve the software.” - Todd Hoffman

“free” does not refer to the cost - refers to the user’s freedom with the software

So... What is it???So... What is it???

Free and Open Sourced Software (FOSS) is any program that allows the user to edit, modify, or personalize the program through source code programming.

4 Freedoms of FOSS

4 Freedoms of FOSS

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose

The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish

The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor

The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others

OK... so how does that help

me as an educator?

OK... so how does that help

me as an educator?

4 Freedoms: Rephrased

4 Freedoms: Rephrased

Use the software at as many sites or seats as the school would like at no licensing cost

Modify or customize the software or pay someone else to do so to suit the school’s needs

Give students and teachers copies of the software so they have full access both at home and in the future

Collaborate with other schools, businesses, and other entities to promote, distribute, and receive improvements to the software

What isn’t considered FOSS?

What isn’t considered FOSS?

Software written with open source, but not available to end user as open source

Just because its free to use, doesn’t mean its free for you to modify or edit

Free for some, not for all - its a privilege, don’t abuse it (free for a school, not for a business)

Open Standards - standard file types and formats allow data to be exchanged among applications (.doc vs .pages)

How is FOSS helping schools?

How is FOSS helping schools?Making more 1:1 Initiatives financially possible

Cost of computers is going down, software is getting more expensive

Using FOSS can keep software costs under $5 per seat

Free

$10,000 per school

$42/machine

Free

VS.

VS.

Discussion Question

Discussion Question

In your opinion, do you feel that freeware and shareware should be given more consideration as cost-efficient alternatives, since they are so similar in functionality, to perhaps the more recognizable yet more expensive norms?

1. Planning - Don’t rush - plan carefully - involve IT staff, vendors, teachers

2. Training - train leaders first, test to monitor necessary follow up training before full development

3. Hiring - update job descriptions to include experience with FOSS

4. Purchasing - make transformation intentions clear to current and prospective vendors

5. Implementation - start with low-risk projects, build confidence, take on larger projects

Next Steps...Next Steps...

Start small...

Follow the link below for a list of simple, FOSS programs. Read the descriptions. Pick one which you feel you could easily integrate into your current curriculum and explain your reasoning.

http://www.valo-cd.net/html-ui-en/index.html

FOSS ResourcesFOSS Resources