Open Source @ GRCC
This project includes teaching Open Source software and programming at the Computer Applications department as well as exposing students through teams and discussions to the Open Source movement.
Courses based on or discussing Open Source:
CO 232: Linux/Unix Administration (operating systems)
CO 241: Web Databases (PHP/MySQL web scripting and databases)
CO 246: Web Server Administration and Security (Apache configuration, SSL implementation, Internet security)
What is open source ?
Computer programs or operating systems for which the source code is publicly available are referred to as open-source software. Inherent in the open source philosophy is the freedom of a distributed community of programmers to modify and improve the code. The most widely known example of open-source software is the Linux operating system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source
More RedHat videos and Creative Commons videos.
Is open source only about computer technology?
No. Open Source is a movement of sharing resources and collaboration of communities.
Linux and other software projects are quickly recognized as elements of the Open Source movement, but there are other areas of this 'new thinking'. Art is being shared under Open Source licenses (images, clipart, audio, video), educational materials, publications. When using sources shared by other people we stand on their shoulders and move forward together. More information on the various areas of community supported creative works can be found at http://creativecommons.org/find/
Open Source software for children: GCompris
Open Source in education: Open CourseWare
Animation movie created with Open Source tools: Elephant Dream
Other media.
How can I learn more about open source ?
You can visit www.opensource.org or http://www.fsf.org/.
Also sign up to a mailing list of a local Linux User Group: http://www.grlug.org/
What programming languages are used in Open Source ?
Any programming language can be used in open source. Some of the most common languages which are used to write software where the source code is released along with the compiled version include: C, C++, Perl, PHP, Java. This is closely related to availability of free compilers for these languages. Perl and PHP are both scripting languages so this code is open source by nature.
What software has been released as open source ?
Most popular Open Source software includes: Linux operating system (RedHat, Debian, Suse etc.), Apache web server, PHP general web scripting language, MySQL database, Perl scripting language, OpenSSL a security engine and many others. Many organizations released their software as open source including World Wide Web Consortium (http://www.w3.org/Status#list) and Microsoft ( http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sharedsource/default.mspx ). You can search for open source software at: www.sourceforge.net
Please note that some open source software is released under special types of licenses. This may mean that while the source code is available you may have to buy a commercial license. Please review the different Open Source licenses at http://www.opensource.org/licenses/
Can I use anything from Open Source immediately?
Yes! Please try the free version of Office: Open Office ( www.openoffice.org ). You can open and save Microsoft Word, Excell or PowerPoint files. Open Office will allow you to save Word files as PDF and export PowerPoint as Flash!
Also you could try the open source web browser: Firefox ( www.firefox.org ). Enjoy tab browsing and added security.
Need more? Try the OpenCD with a long list of free software: http://www.theopencd.org/programs (graphics software: GIMP, PDFCreator etc).
Where can I find news about Open Source ?
You may visit http://www.newsforge.com/
How can anyone make money if the software is given away for free ?
In short money is made by programmers through customization of software, support, distribution of manuals and boxed copies of the software. Providing services around the initial installation of the software is a very beneficial business model for both users and technical professionals.
Additional reading:
http://www.hecker.org/writings/setting-up-shop
http://www.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/displayStory.pl?/features/980608free.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/cathedral-bazaar/cathedral-bazaar/
Additional listening:
About Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia on npr.org
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Updated on 12-FEB-07
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