SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  8
Matthew Schultz
 It is an explicit "feature" of open source
that it may put no restrictions on the
use or distribution by any organization
or user. It forbids this, in principle, to
guarantee continued access to derived
works even by the major original
contributors.
 Open source describes a broad general type of software license that
makes source code available to the general public with relaxed or non-
existent copyright restrictions. The principles, as stated, say absolutely
nothing about trademark or patent use and require absolutely no
cooperation to ensure that any common audit or release regime applies
to any derived works.
Definition of
‘Open Source’
 Software developers may
want to publish their
software with an open-
source license, so that
anybody may also
develop the same
software or understand
its internal functioning.
With open-source
software, generally
anyone is allowed to
create modifications of
it, port it to new
operating systems and
processor
architectures, share it
with others or, in some
cases, market it.
 The term free software should be
replaced by open-source software
(OSS) as an expression which is less
ambiguous and more comfortable for
the corporate world.
Origin of term
‘Open Source’
 Security
 Affordability
 Transparency
 Perpetuity
 Interoperability
 Localization—particularly in the context
of local governments
 Several policy-based
reasons for adoption of
open source – in
particular, the heightened
value proposition from
open source (when
compared to most
proprietary formats) in
the following categories:
Reasons for
adoption
 Unfortunately, not every student in Victoria has
access to a high end computer running the latest in
all software at home. As more and more schools
include computer skills in their education and
request parents to provide computers in the home
environment more and more students from lower
income families are being disadvantaged. High
school students who only have access to computers
during school time are less advantaged than their
peers who are able to spend their evenings writing
up essays and CATs.
 Many open source packages can run quite ably on older machines. Schools rarely have the money to buy
the latest hardware but frequently software upgrades require hardware upgrades in order to perform
reasonably. Many businesses regularly replace older machines with new in order to keep up with their
software's hardware requirements. These machines are usually in good working order but in the
Microsoft world they're essentially useless.
Advantages for
schools
 You have permission to make copies of your changed
software and install them wherever you need them. In
fact, so long as you comply to some fairly simple
requirements, you even have permission to spread your new
copies of the software far and wide.
 Open source software is much more customisable than
propriety software because ultimately, if you don't like
it, you can change it. In some cases changing the software
may not be practical, but in many cases whole systems can
be put together in ways that match the specific
requirements of your school just by gluing together existing
open source packages.
 Software is usually sold on an as-is
basis. If it doesn't quite do
everything you need it to, then either
you bought the wrong software or
you have to change what you need.
Software is not often sold on the
understanding that if you find an
error or you need it to do something
else or to do something in a different
way that you can change it, or pay
someone else to change it for you.
Typically if you're unhappy with your
software for whatever reason there's
nothing you can do to make it better.
 Open source software changes all of
this. "Open source" means you have
access to the source code of the
software. You have permission to
change the software and correct the
things that are bothering you, or add
new features, or take features away.
And if you don't have the skills to
change these things, you have
permission to get other people to fix
them for you.
Advantages for
schools
 Businesses are unwilling to change to
alternative products because they'll
have to face retraining costs. What
this means to schools is that there's a
greater emphasis on teaching how to
use certain products to students
rather than teaching them the basic
concepts behind the use of those
products.
 Instead of teaching students the
basics of good layout for
essays, teachers often end up
teaching students how to layout their
essays using a particular product.
Instead of teaching students basic
computer presentation skills teachers
often end up teaching students how
to use a particular product for
presentation. These lessons are
useful but they did not achieve their
original purpose. Exclusive use of an
open source software product won't
solve this problem either.
However, access to a wide variety of
open source software products
allows teachers greater choice of
packages to best illustrate their
lessons and students greater
exposure to how other packages may
perform tasks.
 Exposing students to Linux will have
a long term impact on it's growth in
other areas. The primary reason
many companies have spent millions
of dollars on Microsoft software is
that people know it. In 5 years
today's 9th grade students will be in
the workforce. If they're already
comfortable with open source
software, it will make it that much
easier for open source software to
move father into other sectors.
 Unfortunately at the moment we're
in a situation where propriety
software has become the default
standard everywhere. People are
unwilling to learn how to use
alternative products because it's not
what they'll need to know in
business.
Advantages
for schools
 the Apache HTTP Server
 the e-commerce platform osCommerce
 the internet browser Mozilla Firefox.
 One of the most successful open-source
products is the GNU/Linux operating
system, an open-source Unix-like
operating system, and its derivative
Android, an operating system for mobile
devices
 In some fields, open software is the
norm, like in voice over IP applications
with Asterisk (PBX).
 Open source software projects are built
and maintained by a network of
volunteer programmers. Prime
examples of open-source products are:
Examples of
‘Open Source’

Contenu connexe

En vedette

Pdhpe – physical development, health and physical
Pdhpe – physical development, health and physicalPdhpe – physical development, health and physical
Pdhpe – physical development, health and physicalRussell Chappelow
 
El papel docente ante las tic. escalante viviana 2 A profesorado en historia
El papel docente ante las tic. escalante viviana 2 A profesorado en historiaEl papel docente ante las tic. escalante viviana 2 A profesorado en historia
El papel docente ante las tic. escalante viviana 2 A profesorado en historiadoravivian
 
3.1 Human Population Dynamics Notes
3.1 Human Population Dynamics Notes3.1 Human Population Dynamics Notes
3.1 Human Population Dynamics NotesGURU CHARAN KUMAR
 
Jesus christ the primordial sacrament
Jesus christ   the primordial sacramentJesus christ   the primordial sacrament
Jesus christ the primordial sacramentDennis Maturan
 
Pi%20digits
Pi%20digitsPi%20digits
Pi%20digitsaealey
 
Моделирование будущего
Моделирование будущегоМоделирование будущего
Моделирование будущегоSergii Kadubovskyi
 

En vedette (12)

Pdhpe – physical development, health and physical
Pdhpe – physical development, health and physicalPdhpe – physical development, health and physical
Pdhpe – physical development, health and physical
 
PET & Steel Strapping Tools
PET & Steel Strapping ToolsPET & Steel Strapping Tools
PET & Steel Strapping Tools
 
UPEL-DIPLOMADO DOCENTE
UPEL-DIPLOMADO DOCENTEUPEL-DIPLOMADO DOCENTE
UPEL-DIPLOMADO DOCENTE
 
Abap
AbapAbap
Abap
 
El papel docente ante las tic. escalante viviana 2 A profesorado en historia
El papel docente ante las tic. escalante viviana 2 A profesorado en historiaEl papel docente ante las tic. escalante viviana 2 A profesorado en historia
El papel docente ante las tic. escalante viviana 2 A profesorado en historia
 
Reaksi senyawa karbon
Reaksi senyawa karbonReaksi senyawa karbon
Reaksi senyawa karbon
 
3.1 Human Population Dynamics Notes
3.1 Human Population Dynamics Notes3.1 Human Population Dynamics Notes
3.1 Human Population Dynamics Notes
 
Jesus christ the primordial sacrament
Jesus christ   the primordial sacramentJesus christ   the primordial sacrament
Jesus christ the primordial sacrament
 
Alineamiento constructivo
Alineamiento constructivoAlineamiento constructivo
Alineamiento constructivo
 
Karenina
KareninaKarenina
Karenina
 
Pi%20digits
Pi%20digitsPi%20digits
Pi%20digits
 
Моделирование будущего
Моделирование будущегоМоделирование будущего
Моделирование будущего
 

Similaire à Essential Benefits of Open Source Software in Schools

Ethical consideration in open source software
Ethical consideration in open source softwareEthical consideration in open source software
Ethical consideration in open source softwareaamatya
 
Ethical consideration in open source software
Ethical consideration in open source softwareEthical consideration in open source software
Ethical consideration in open source softwareaamatya
 
Ethical Consideration of Open Source Software
Ethical Consideration of Open Source SoftwareEthical Consideration of Open Source Software
Ethical Consideration of Open Source SoftwareLarry Jennings
 
Open Source Content Management Systems for Small and Medium Businesses, Chari...
Open Source Content Management Systems for Small and Medium Businesses, Chari...Open Source Content Management Systems for Small and Medium Businesses, Chari...
Open Source Content Management Systems for Small and Medium Businesses, Chari...Will Hall
 
Open source for academics
Open source for academicsOpen source for academics
Open source for academicsAmol A. Sale
 
Open Source Software in Libraries
Open Source Software in LibrariesOpen Source Software in Libraries
Open Source Software in LibrariesSukhdev Singh
 
Scenario 2 - A medium-sized photographic and printing business
Scenario 2 - A medium-sized photographic and printing businessScenario 2 - A medium-sized photographic and printing business
Scenario 2 - A medium-sized photographic and printing businesshanimhussein_
 
Open source in India
Open source in IndiaOpen source in India
Open source in IndiaChetan Garg
 
The Aspects of Choosing Open Source Versus Closed Source
The Aspects of Choosing Open Source Versus Closed SourceThe Aspects of Choosing Open Source Versus Closed Source
The Aspects of Choosing Open Source Versus Closed SourceJeet Prakash
 
Linux and the Open Source- D Sarkar
Linux and the Open Source- D SarkarLinux and the Open Source- D Sarkar
Linux and the Open Source- D SarkarDipayan Sarkar
 
A Beginners Guide To Legacy Systems
A Beginners Guide To Legacy SystemsA Beginners Guide To Legacy Systems
A Beginners Guide To Legacy SystemsSyed Hassan Raza
 
Types of software, advantages and disadvantages
Types of software, advantages and disadvantagesTypes of software, advantages and disadvantages
Types of software, advantages and disadvantagesRocket11986
 

Similaire à Essential Benefits of Open Source Software in Schools (20)

Software piracy
Software piracySoftware piracy
Software piracy
 
Why Open Source is Important
Why Open Source is ImportantWhy Open Source is Important
Why Open Source is Important
 
Ethical consideration in open source software
Ethical consideration in open source softwareEthical consideration in open source software
Ethical consideration in open source software
 
Ethical consideration in open source software
Ethical consideration in open source softwareEthical consideration in open source software
Ethical consideration in open source software
 
Ethical Consideration of Open Source Software
Ethical Consideration of Open Source SoftwareEthical Consideration of Open Source Software
Ethical Consideration of Open Source Software
 
Open Source Content Management Systems for Small and Medium Businesses, Chari...
Open Source Content Management Systems for Small and Medium Businesses, Chari...Open Source Content Management Systems for Small and Medium Businesses, Chari...
Open Source Content Management Systems for Small and Medium Businesses, Chari...
 
Open source for academics
Open source for academicsOpen source for academics
Open source for academics
 
Open Source Software in Libraries
Open Source Software in LibrariesOpen Source Software in Libraries
Open Source Software in Libraries
 
Open Source Software
Open Source SoftwareOpen Source Software
Open Source Software
 
Scenario 2 - A medium-sized photographic and printing business
Scenario 2 - A medium-sized photographic and printing businessScenario 2 - A medium-sized photographic and printing business
Scenario 2 - A medium-sized photographic and printing business
 
Open Source VP.pptx
Open Source VP.pptxOpen Source VP.pptx
Open Source VP.pptx
 
Open source in India
Open source in IndiaOpen source in India
Open source in India
 
The Aspects of Choosing Open Source Versus Closed Source
The Aspects of Choosing Open Source Versus Closed SourceThe Aspects of Choosing Open Source Versus Closed Source
The Aspects of Choosing Open Source Versus Closed Source
 
Linux and the Open Source- D Sarkar
Linux and the Open Source- D SarkarLinux and the Open Source- D Sarkar
Linux and the Open Source- D Sarkar
 
Coursework
CourseworkCoursework
Coursework
 
Adopting Open Source Software for Longer-term Reuse
Adopting Open Source Software for Longer-term ReuseAdopting Open Source Software for Longer-term Reuse
Adopting Open Source Software for Longer-term Reuse
 
Foss Presentation
Foss PresentationFoss Presentation
Foss Presentation
 
A Beginners Guide To Legacy Systems
A Beginners Guide To Legacy SystemsA Beginners Guide To Legacy Systems
A Beginners Guide To Legacy Systems
 
Open source
Open sourceOpen source
Open source
 
Types of software, advantages and disadvantages
Types of software, advantages and disadvantagesTypes of software, advantages and disadvantages
Types of software, advantages and disadvantages
 

Dernier

Factors to Consider When Choosing Accounts Payable Services Providers.pptx
Factors to Consider When Choosing Accounts Payable Services Providers.pptxFactors to Consider When Choosing Accounts Payable Services Providers.pptx
Factors to Consider When Choosing Accounts Payable Services Providers.pptxKatpro Technologies
 
Partners Life - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Partners Life - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Partners Life - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Partners Life - Insurer Innovation Award 2024The Digital Insurer
 
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreterPresentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreternaman860154
 
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...Drew Madelung
 
Kalyanpur ) Call Girls in Lucknow Finest Escorts Service 🍸 8923113531 🎰 Avail...
Kalyanpur ) Call Girls in Lucknow Finest Escorts Service 🍸 8923113531 🎰 Avail...Kalyanpur ) Call Girls in Lucknow Finest Escorts Service 🍸 8923113531 🎰 Avail...
Kalyanpur ) Call Girls in Lucknow Finest Escorts Service 🍸 8923113531 🎰 Avail...gurkirankumar98700
 
A Domino Admins Adventures (Engage 2024)
A Domino Admins Adventures (Engage 2024)A Domino Admins Adventures (Engage 2024)
A Domino Admins Adventures (Engage 2024)Gabriella Davis
 
🐬 The future of MySQL is Postgres 🐘
🐬  The future of MySQL is Postgres   🐘🐬  The future of MySQL is Postgres   🐘
🐬 The future of MySQL is Postgres 🐘RTylerCroy
 
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...Martijn de Jong
 
Injustice - Developers Among Us (SciFiDevCon 2024)
Injustice - Developers Among Us (SciFiDevCon 2024)Injustice - Developers Among Us (SciFiDevCon 2024)
Injustice - Developers Among Us (SciFiDevCon 2024)Allon Mureinik
 
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time Automation
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time AutomationFrom Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time Automation
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time AutomationSafe Software
 
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking MenDelhi Call girls
 
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected WorkerHow to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected WorkerThousandEyes
 
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptxHampshireHUG
 
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024Rafal Los
 
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdfThe Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdfEnterprise Knowledge
 
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live Streams
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live StreamsTop 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live Streams
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live StreamsRoshan Dwivedi
 
Finology Group – Insurtech Innovation Award 2024
Finology Group – Insurtech Innovation Award 2024Finology Group – Insurtech Innovation Award 2024
Finology Group – Insurtech Innovation Award 2024The Digital Insurer
 
CNv6 Instructor Chapter 6 Quality of Service
CNv6 Instructor Chapter 6 Quality of ServiceCNv6 Instructor Chapter 6 Quality of Service
CNv6 Instructor Chapter 6 Quality of Servicegiselly40
 
Automating Google Workspace (GWS) & more with Apps Script
Automating Google Workspace (GWS) & more with Apps ScriptAutomating Google Workspace (GWS) & more with Apps Script
Automating Google Workspace (GWS) & more with Apps Scriptwesley chun
 
[2024]Digital Global Overview Report 2024 Meltwater.pdf
[2024]Digital Global Overview Report 2024 Meltwater.pdf[2024]Digital Global Overview Report 2024 Meltwater.pdf
[2024]Digital Global Overview Report 2024 Meltwater.pdfhans926745
 

Dernier (20)

Factors to Consider When Choosing Accounts Payable Services Providers.pptx
Factors to Consider When Choosing Accounts Payable Services Providers.pptxFactors to Consider When Choosing Accounts Payable Services Providers.pptx
Factors to Consider When Choosing Accounts Payable Services Providers.pptx
 
Partners Life - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Partners Life - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Partners Life - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Partners Life - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
 
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreterPresentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
 
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
 
Kalyanpur ) Call Girls in Lucknow Finest Escorts Service 🍸 8923113531 🎰 Avail...
Kalyanpur ) Call Girls in Lucknow Finest Escorts Service 🍸 8923113531 🎰 Avail...Kalyanpur ) Call Girls in Lucknow Finest Escorts Service 🍸 8923113531 🎰 Avail...
Kalyanpur ) Call Girls in Lucknow Finest Escorts Service 🍸 8923113531 🎰 Avail...
 
A Domino Admins Adventures (Engage 2024)
A Domino Admins Adventures (Engage 2024)A Domino Admins Adventures (Engage 2024)
A Domino Admins Adventures (Engage 2024)
 
🐬 The future of MySQL is Postgres 🐘
🐬  The future of MySQL is Postgres   🐘🐬  The future of MySQL is Postgres   🐘
🐬 The future of MySQL is Postgres 🐘
 
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
 
Injustice - Developers Among Us (SciFiDevCon 2024)
Injustice - Developers Among Us (SciFiDevCon 2024)Injustice - Developers Among Us (SciFiDevCon 2024)
Injustice - Developers Among Us (SciFiDevCon 2024)
 
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time Automation
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time AutomationFrom Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time Automation
From Event to Action: Accelerate Your Decision Making with Real-Time Automation
 
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men
 
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected WorkerHow to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
 
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
 
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
 
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdfThe Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
 
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live Streams
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live StreamsTop 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live Streams
Top 5 Benefits OF Using Muvi Live Paywall For Live Streams
 
Finology Group – Insurtech Innovation Award 2024
Finology Group – Insurtech Innovation Award 2024Finology Group – Insurtech Innovation Award 2024
Finology Group – Insurtech Innovation Award 2024
 
CNv6 Instructor Chapter 6 Quality of Service
CNv6 Instructor Chapter 6 Quality of ServiceCNv6 Instructor Chapter 6 Quality of Service
CNv6 Instructor Chapter 6 Quality of Service
 
Automating Google Workspace (GWS) & more with Apps Script
Automating Google Workspace (GWS) & more with Apps ScriptAutomating Google Workspace (GWS) & more with Apps Script
Automating Google Workspace (GWS) & more with Apps Script
 
[2024]Digital Global Overview Report 2024 Meltwater.pdf
[2024]Digital Global Overview Report 2024 Meltwater.pdf[2024]Digital Global Overview Report 2024 Meltwater.pdf
[2024]Digital Global Overview Report 2024 Meltwater.pdf
 

Essential Benefits of Open Source Software in Schools

  • 2.  It is an explicit "feature" of open source that it may put no restrictions on the use or distribution by any organization or user. It forbids this, in principle, to guarantee continued access to derived works even by the major original contributors.  Open source describes a broad general type of software license that makes source code available to the general public with relaxed or non- existent copyright restrictions. The principles, as stated, say absolutely nothing about trademark or patent use and require absolutely no cooperation to ensure that any common audit or release regime applies to any derived works. Definition of ‘Open Source’
  • 3.  Software developers may want to publish their software with an open- source license, so that anybody may also develop the same software or understand its internal functioning. With open-source software, generally anyone is allowed to create modifications of it, port it to new operating systems and processor architectures, share it with others or, in some cases, market it.  The term free software should be replaced by open-source software (OSS) as an expression which is less ambiguous and more comfortable for the corporate world. Origin of term ‘Open Source’
  • 4.  Security  Affordability  Transparency  Perpetuity  Interoperability  Localization—particularly in the context of local governments  Several policy-based reasons for adoption of open source – in particular, the heightened value proposition from open source (when compared to most proprietary formats) in the following categories: Reasons for adoption
  • 5.  Unfortunately, not every student in Victoria has access to a high end computer running the latest in all software at home. As more and more schools include computer skills in their education and request parents to provide computers in the home environment more and more students from lower income families are being disadvantaged. High school students who only have access to computers during school time are less advantaged than their peers who are able to spend their evenings writing up essays and CATs.  Many open source packages can run quite ably on older machines. Schools rarely have the money to buy the latest hardware but frequently software upgrades require hardware upgrades in order to perform reasonably. Many businesses regularly replace older machines with new in order to keep up with their software's hardware requirements. These machines are usually in good working order but in the Microsoft world they're essentially useless. Advantages for schools
  • 6.  You have permission to make copies of your changed software and install them wherever you need them. In fact, so long as you comply to some fairly simple requirements, you even have permission to spread your new copies of the software far and wide.  Open source software is much more customisable than propriety software because ultimately, if you don't like it, you can change it. In some cases changing the software may not be practical, but in many cases whole systems can be put together in ways that match the specific requirements of your school just by gluing together existing open source packages.  Software is usually sold on an as-is basis. If it doesn't quite do everything you need it to, then either you bought the wrong software or you have to change what you need. Software is not often sold on the understanding that if you find an error or you need it to do something else or to do something in a different way that you can change it, or pay someone else to change it for you. Typically if you're unhappy with your software for whatever reason there's nothing you can do to make it better.  Open source software changes all of this. "Open source" means you have access to the source code of the software. You have permission to change the software and correct the things that are bothering you, or add new features, or take features away. And if you don't have the skills to change these things, you have permission to get other people to fix them for you. Advantages for schools
  • 7.  Businesses are unwilling to change to alternative products because they'll have to face retraining costs. What this means to schools is that there's a greater emphasis on teaching how to use certain products to students rather than teaching them the basic concepts behind the use of those products.  Instead of teaching students the basics of good layout for essays, teachers often end up teaching students how to layout their essays using a particular product. Instead of teaching students basic computer presentation skills teachers often end up teaching students how to use a particular product for presentation. These lessons are useful but they did not achieve their original purpose. Exclusive use of an open source software product won't solve this problem either. However, access to a wide variety of open source software products allows teachers greater choice of packages to best illustrate their lessons and students greater exposure to how other packages may perform tasks.  Exposing students to Linux will have a long term impact on it's growth in other areas. The primary reason many companies have spent millions of dollars on Microsoft software is that people know it. In 5 years today's 9th grade students will be in the workforce. If they're already comfortable with open source software, it will make it that much easier for open source software to move father into other sectors.  Unfortunately at the moment we're in a situation where propriety software has become the default standard everywhere. People are unwilling to learn how to use alternative products because it's not what they'll need to know in business. Advantages for schools
  • 8.  the Apache HTTP Server  the e-commerce platform osCommerce  the internet browser Mozilla Firefox.  One of the most successful open-source products is the GNU/Linux operating system, an open-source Unix-like operating system, and its derivative Android, an operating system for mobile devices  In some fields, open software is the norm, like in voice over IP applications with Asterisk (PBX).  Open source software projects are built and maintained by a network of volunteer programmers. Prime examples of open-source products are: Examples of ‘Open Source’