Free
Open Source Software
(FOSS)
This
site provides a concise summary of information and resources about Free
Open Source Software (FOSS) -- software that is genuinely free to use,
free
to
modify, and free to distribute
in either original
or modified
form. FOSS is increasingly becoming the global standard from operating
systems to business software. It can help you save money, obtain more
secure systems, increase standards compliance, and build long-term investment
protection so you can pass on the benefits.
The
idea of "free
software" was originally defined by Richard
Stallman, the guy that created the movement
with the GNU project and Free Software Foundation. FOSS
is now developed by global communities, sometimes with the support
of non-profit foundations. The following sections provide more information:
Primary
Sources
The following
five sites provide access to most of the available free
open source software:
-
Apache
Software Foundation -- Originally the source for the popular
Apache web server. Now offers an array of FOSS web development
services, including Java applications servers,
frameworks,
and application
development tools.
- Mozilla – Best
known for the Firefox web browser. Also supports development
of the Thunderbird email application and related components.
- OpenOffice.org --
The popular open system office suite, including the Writer word
processor,
Calc spreadsheet, Impress presentation software, Base database manager,
and related tools. Excellent interoperability with MS Office.
-
SourceForge – Calling
itself "The world's largest development and download
repository of Open Source”, the SourceForge site supports
more than 50,000 free open source software
development projects,
including community
organization
and management tools to help teams develop their software.
Secondary
Sources
The following
sites are leading secondary sources of FOSS and related information:
Directories
The following
directories provide top-level lists of sites with information about FOSS:
Organizations
Policy
groups and related organizations focused on FOSS:
- Linux
Foundation -- Nonprofit consortium
that promotes, protects and standardizes Linux
by providing unified resources and services needed for
open source to
successfully compete with closed platforms.
-
Open
Source Initiative (OSI) -- Non-profit corporation
promoting the Open Source Definition through the OSI
Certified Open Source Software certification mark
and program.
- Open
Source Software Institute -- Non-profit organization
of corporate, government and academic representatives
to promote
open-source solutions within U.S. government agencies
and academic entities.
News
News
sources about FOSS:
Free
Open Source Hardware (FOSH)
Some
information
on the related and exciting new field of free
open source hardware!
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