Open Source & Alternative Software
Description
Open source is an application, program, or utility where the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification, free of charge. However, open source does not always imply zero cost. Open source is a popular revolution, and some good work is being and has been done in this space. The idea is to share development resources (a Common Solutions Group model): more people and thus more eyes to help identify errors; problems and security holes are quickly fixed; and improvements can be made freely for the greater good.
The Open Source and Alternative Software initiative seeks low- and no-cost alternatives to commonly used desktop software and operating systems. The goal is to produce, for as low a licensing cost as possible, a user friendly, graphical interface with little to no learning curve.
Currently, ET staff members are examining desktop Linux and Apple Mac OS X as alternatives to more common operating systems and graphical user interfaces (GUI). In addition, desktop software applications and alternatives to office productivity suites are being considered for suitability for novice users.
Publications
N/A
Resources
Primary ET Contact
Al Williams alw@psu.edu
Collaborators
This project is internal to ET.
Expected Deliverable(s)
Low-cost alternative desktop and software environment(s).
Level of ET Involvement
This project is internal to ET.
Initiative Start Date
March 2003