Free Software
Faced with budget constraints, many schools cut spending on classroom applications--but are there better ways to save?
by Dustin Buggi
October 22, 2007
Schools across the nation have been increasing their ever complex technology infrastructure to keep up with the world’s demand. Unfortunately, as the infrastructure becomes larger and more complex the total cost of ownership increases. What can schools do to neutralize this cost? Maybe Open Source software could be the answer. Open Source software has a price that no one can beat; free! An Open Source license permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. The distribution terms of open-source software must comply with specific criteria including free redistribution of software and if source code is changed, it must be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original software. With this in mind, open source software can be a great asset in business, education and home use for no cost. Here are just a few examples of open source software and an explanation of what you can do with it.
OpenOffice
OpenOffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office
suite and an open-source project. Compatible with all other major
office suites including the Microsoft office suit (Word, Excel,
Access, PowerPoint).
FreeMind
Mind mapping software.
CMap
Knowledge mapping system.
Mozilla Firefox
The premier free, open-source browser. Tabs, pop-up
blocking, themes, and extensions. Considered by many to be the
world's best browser.
Mozilla Thunderbird
Powerful email client with spam filtering, solid interface,
and all the features you need.
GIMPShop
Photo editing application that rivals Photoshop in
features.
Audacity - is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder. It
allows users to record live audio, convert tapes and records to
digital formats, or mix pre-existing digital audio tracks.
