Open Source

Open Source means free access and use of various media, including software, video, photos, clip art, etc. Net purists I know believe very strongly in open source and free access to information and software. Many of these people refuse to use MS products whenever possible, including WIndows platforms, instead using open source platforms like Ubuntu (Linux), which are highly user friendly. 

In class last week I had a very satisfying experience with open source software. Unable to open Sandra’s power point presentation on my Macbook, my classmate Keith said, “Why don’t you try Open Office?” OpenOffice is free to download and enables the use of MS products without the hefty price tag. Without any price tag, in fact, though donations are welcome. 

After downloading OpenOffice, I was easily able to access the Power Point presentation. Yay for open source. I like the whole idea of open source. I find it mildly subversive and evens the playing field a little more. Regular people with a library card can put content online, meet people, find information, join a group interested in pretty much anything you can dream up, and share. Open source chips away at monopolies.

Personally, I find myself very, very reluctant to use web based applications that cost money. I would be willing if I were making money through them, but otherwise, I like the option of free, upgrade and by donation.

This blog is a another great example of open source software. People create widgets and plug ins that they allow others to download and use for free. Many provide support, otherwise support can be found through helpful other users. To me, this is the true spirit of the net, the free sharing of information, and information management systems, networking and building connections. It is the true global community.