This post is partly a general pitch for open source software (OSS) in general, and partly a promotion of the Inforum's approach to helping OSS newcomers (noobs) try it out. For those of you who haven't taken Information and its Social Context or the intro to technology courses, OSS refers to a movement amongst software developers to create applications with openly available source-code (the magical stuff that makes computer applications run). This differs from proprietary software (think Microsoft and Apple applications where the code is intentionally hidden) in that those with enough skill can can play with the code to change the behaviour of the application. The other important aspect of OSS is that it tends to be free of charge.
There are examples of OSS programs that can replace basically every piece of software you run on the computer, Mozilla Firefox being the best known example. Poor masters students being able to install a fully featured graphics program or office suite for $0 versus shelling out the hundreds that proprietary versions ask? That's pretty appealing. There are some barriers to entry though: first, of all you have to know where and how to get these programs, which can be a daunting task. Second, you need to be aware of the limitations of the programs, for instance Open Office can read Microsoft files but not the other way around (for now anyway). Finally, some point out that OSS generally does not offer call centres or other conventional support. This is a tough one to call as there is usually a huge community of people on forums who will help.
This brings me back to the Inforum's approach to OSS. A group in Trinidad and Tobago have put together a collection of OSS applications and packaged them on a disk. For instructions on exactly how to use the disk head here or here (second here is a video so if you don't have high-speed steer clear). You can sign the disk out for two days at the front desk of the Inforum. Sorry Mac users, this is Windows only.
Some of the interesting programs included:
Open Office Suite: A complete office suite including a word processor, database, spreadsheet, presentation (like powerpoint), and math program. It looks and feels very close to Microsoft's suite but has added functionality.
GIMP: A, very, full-featured alternative to Adobe Photo-shop. This one will take a little work to get used to, it offers tonnes of functionality and with a little learning you can do just about anything with it.
ClamWin Anti-Virus: Just like the anti-virus software you have now, it runs in the background and has daily updates. Those who know seem to think that it is just as effective as the pay versions.
Tux Racer: A fun time-waster. Race Tux the Penguin (the Linux mascot) down a snowy slope. Students can't work all the time right?
There are examples of OSS programs that can replace basically every piece of software you run on the computer, Mozilla Firefox being the best known example. Poor masters students being able to install a fully featured graphics program or office suite for $0 versus shelling out the hundreds that proprietary versions ask? That's pretty appealing. There are some barriers to entry though: first, of all you have to know where and how to get these programs, which can be a daunting task. Second, you need to be aware of the limitations of the programs, for instance Open Office can read Microsoft files but not the other way around (for now anyway). Finally, some point out that OSS generally does not offer call centres or other conventional support. This is a tough one to call as there is usually a huge community of people on forums who will help.
This brings me back to the Inforum's approach to OSS. A group in Trinidad and Tobago have put together a collection of OSS applications and packaged them on a disk. For instructions on exactly how to use the disk head here or here (second here is a video so if you don't have high-speed steer clear). You can sign the disk out for two days at the front desk of the Inforum. Sorry Mac users, this is Windows only.
Some of the interesting programs included:
Open Office Suite: A complete office suite including a word processor, database, spreadsheet, presentation (like powerpoint), and math program. It looks and feels very close to Microsoft's suite but has added functionality.
GIMP: A, very, full-featured alternative to Adobe Photo-shop. This one will take a little work to get used to, it offers tonnes of functionality and with a little learning you can do just about anything with it.
ClamWin Anti-Virus: Just like the anti-virus software you have now, it runs in the background and has daily updates. Those who know seem to think that it is just as effective as the pay versions.
Tux Racer: A fun time-waster. Race Tux the Penguin (the Linux mascot) down a snowy slope. Students can't work all the time right?
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