Open source software (OSS) is software with source code that is available and can be modified. It is typically provided under an open source license that allows users to study, change, and improve the software. Benefits of OSS include reduced costs, lack of vendor lock-in, and consistency with academic values of openness and sharing. However, some are cautious of OSS due to potential costs of installation, maintenance, support, and training as well as concerns about inconsistent licenses and long-term sustainability.

1. What Are They?

2. What Are They?

4. What is OSS? Open source software (OSS) is a computer software that is available in source code form for which the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders They are provided under a software license that permits users to study, change, and improve the software.

5. A google search for the phrase open source in mid-January 2005 returned approximately 28.8nillion web page hits and 11,000 news articles.

6. Other Examples: KEEP (Knowledge Exchange Exhibit and Presentation )

7. The freedom to … run the program, for any purpose. study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs. redistribute copies so that you can help others. improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.

8. Features Source code. Free redistribution. Derived works.

9. Why OSS? reduced cost absence of user restrictions and vendor lock-in consistency with traditional academic values of openness and sharing.

10. Why Cautious (To Be Cont.) (1) Cost Time (installing and maintaining the system) Technical support Training Unexpected costs

11. Why Cautious (2) Technology Inconsistent licenses Sustainability:

12. References Baldi, S., Heier, H., and Mehler-Bicher, A. (September, 2003). Communications of the ACM, 46 (9), 105-107. Hepbum, G. and Buley, J. (n. d. ). Getting open source software into schools: Strategies and challenges. Innovate. Retrieved from: http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=323 Hotrum, M, Ludwig, B. and Baggaley, J. (2005). Technical evaluation support: Open source software: fully featured vs. “the devil you know”. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 6 (1). Retrieved from: http:// www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/viewArticle/213/296 Kapper, M. (March/April, 2005). How is open source special? Educause Review, 72-73. Liyoshi, T. , Richardson, C., and McGrath, O. Harnessing open technologies to promote open educational knowledge sharing. Retrieved from: http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=339 Stephenson, R. (n. d.). Open source/Open course learning: Lessons for educators from free and open source software. Innovate. Retrieved from: http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=345 Wheeler, B. (July/August, 2004). Open source 2007: How did this happen? Educause Review, 12-27. http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2010/03/20-most-popular-open-source-software-ever-2.html (20 common OSS)