Open Source software is produced by collaborative effort, and rather than withholding the program codes like large corporations do, open source software is available to everyone for use and editing. This means that no one really can own the rights to open source software, and it can constantly be updated and improved. The development and use of Open Source software has many ramifications for our society, both positive and negative. This collaboration resulting from the the software's availability benefits all users through the continual improvements in the software, as well as the fact that no one fully owns the software, so it can be circulated for a low price, and sometimes even at no price at all.
This has tremendous advantages for offices and schools, especially in the current economic climate. All schools have had to redesign their budgets in order to function with the cut back in funding. There is little money to spare for expensive computer programs. But at the same time, it is the responsibility of the educational system to prepare students for success in our society, and that means equipping them with the skills they'll need. With the increased emphasis on technology, and understanding of common computer programs is key. This is where open source software comes in. Through open source software, schools can provide students with the skills that they need while at the same time having the funds to provide other resources such as sports equipment, libraries, and improved school facilities.
This website (www.osalt.com) views open source software as a beneficial alternative to the software produced by large private corporations. It provides many different programs and has organized them under different categories such as 'education', 'communications', 'graphic applications'... and many others. Osalt is a good way to browse through programs, it gives a better idea of what's out there in the area of open source resources.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment