free and open source software
DESCRIPTION
This presentation was made at the Guyana Technology User Group meet up on Saturday 9 February, 2013. The slidecast is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAdAqqRLqKETRANSCRIPT
Free and Open Source SoftwarePresented by Vidyaratha Kissoon Guyana Technology User Group
9 February 2013
What we will talk about..
What is FOSS/FLOSS? Types of FOSS Why bother with FOSS in Guyana? Making money with FOSS Linux and us
When last have you stolen something or acquired stolen
property?
Definition of FOSS Free Software Movement
− The freedom to run a program, for any purpose;
− The freedom to study how a program works and adapt it to a person’s needs. Access to the source code is a precondition for this;
− The freedom to redistribute copies so that you can help your neighbour; and
− The freedom to improve a program and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits. Access to the source code is a precondition for this
− libre vs gratuit
Richard Stallman is the founder
Definition of FOSS.. Free redistribution
Source code
Derived works
Integrity of author's code
No discrimination against users
No discrimination against fields of endeavour
Distribution of license
License must be technology-neutral
License must not be specific to a product
License must not restrict other software
Managed by Open Source Initiative, focused on technical issues
Types of FOSS
Operating Systems - Linux, FreeBSD
Databases - MySql, PostgreSQL
Webservers - Apache, Roxen, Savant
CMS – Drupal, Wordpress, Joomla
Elearning – Moodle, Claronline
Internet Apps – Pidgin, Firefox, Opera, Ekiga
Multimedia – Mplayer, totem, xine, gtkpod, VLC
Graphics – GIMP, Inkscape,
Productivity – OpenOffice, Koffice, Abiword
GIS – Quantum, GRASS,
and many others
Why bother with FOSS?
Security Reliability/Stability Open standards and vendor independence Reduced reliance on imports Developing local software capacity Piracy, IPR, and WTO Localization
Why bother with FOSS..
Challenges..− lack of business applications
− interoperability with proprietary systems
− limited documentation and 'polish'
− Limited Marketing
− ......
Making money with FOSS
Develop solutions
− Applications, Customisations,
Develop a service
− technical support demand for Linux system Administration Money on services, not on licences
Innovation – creating solutions
− Applications eg GIS
What is Linux Linux the kernel
− Linux was originally the name of the kernel created by Linus Torvalds and is currently maintained by a team of developers
Linux – the distributions
− the kernel, plus the system libraries, GUI, various databases, web servers, email utilities, desktop software and others.
− Debian, Mint, Mandriva, Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat, SUSE,
− Not all applications are “FOSS” (eg skype )
Linux is used.. Simputer, OLPC Supercomputers Mobile devices By US Navy, Chinese Government Schools in Kerala
Learning to use Linux
Try an installation Learn the command line Do a project – create FOSS/Linux based
solutions and cost them− Web server− Desktop− Linux Terminal Server Project pilot
Certification?
Thanks for listening... [email protected]