Open+Source+Software

Definition
Open source software - Software which is distributed free of charge with its source code, enabling others to take part in developing it.
 * from __Coming Of Age: An Introduction to the New Worldwide Web__

[|Wikipedia Article] Article talks about the development of open source practices in a variety of different fields.

Applications

 * Wide variety

Benefits

 * Free!
 * Money is not such a factor.
 * Could help eliminate the digital divide.


 * Schools may block downloads due to security concerns
 * Ask your tech person

Classroom/School Samples
[|Google Docs & Spreadsheets] [|Digital Divide article] An article by Joyce Valenza talks about how open-source software gives schools and students choices [|Open Source Resources] A list of resources compiled by Joyce Valenza for the Springfield Township High School Library website

Suggested Sites
[|SourceForge.net]
 * "SourceForge.net is the world's largest Open Source software development web site, hosting more than 100,000 projects and over 1,000,000 registered users with a centralized resource for managing projects, issues, communications, and code. SourceForge.net has the largest repository of Open Source code and applications available on the Internet, and hosts more Open Source development products than any other site or network worldwide. SourceForge.net provides a wide variety of services to projects we host, and to the Open Source community." Description from their site