Open Source
A growing number of organizations are turning to Free/Open Source software for everything from computer networks to office productivity tools. This section includes articles on the importance of Open Source, links to source of Open Source software, and resource on Open Content.
Open Source - General
Arabeyes: The Arabic Unix Project
Developed by: Arabeyes Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Arabeyes is a Meta project that is aimed at fully supporting the Arabic language in the Unix/Linux environment. It is designed to be a central location to standardize the Arabization process. Arabeyes relies on voluntary contributions by computer professionals and enthusiasts all over the world.
FLOSS and NGOs: A Compilation of Resources and Community Events
Developed by: Aspiration Tech Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Annotated listing of resources, articles and community events relating to NGOs and free and open source software.
Dhttp://www.aspirationtech.org/node/40
FOSS Localization Primer
Developed by: International Open Source Network Type of resource: PDF 1.3 MB Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This primer introduces the concepts of FOSS and localization, looks at localization efforts in Asia Pacific, and finishes with recommendations for localization initiatives.
Dhttp://www.iosn.net/l10n/foss-localization-primer/ foss-localization-primer.pdf
Free Software for Busy People
Developed by: Mohammad Al-Ubaydli Type of resource: website Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This site not only features an easy-to-read online book entitled "Free Software for Busy People", it provides free software use scenarios from a primary school teacher, a city mayor, an arab teacher, and a family physician. With these busy people as examples the site highlights a broad range of practical skills and gives readers insight to the vast possibility provided by free software tools. Learn how the city mayor uses "Civic Space" for her campaigns, how the family doctor uses "OpenEMR" to keep track of her patient registry, or how the Arab teacher uses Openoffice.org in Arabic, and plays games.
International Open Source Network
Developed by: Asia-Pacific Information Development Programme Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
IOSN is a clearinghouse for information on FOSS, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
Making Sense of Freeware, Open Source, and Shareware
Developed by: TechSoup Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Brief overview of the terminology and concepts involved, and links to some sources of freeware, open source software, and shareware.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/articlepage.cfm?articleid= 40&topicid=2
MMTK Open source software materials
Developed by: APC Type of resource: PDF files and OpenOffice.org files Target audience: General, Trainers Cost: Free access
This workshop kit offers materials which trainers can use as the basis of face-to-face workshops. Two units are available: "Introduction to open source software" and "Choosing open source software".
Dhttp://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/open source.shtml
Open Source Software
Developed by: APC Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This site, from APC's Internet Rights programme provides news and information resources on open source-related issues.
Dhttp://www.apc.org/english/rights/africa/?-1-%27Op en+Source%27
Open Standards, Open Source, and Open Innovation: Harnessing the Benefits of Openness
Developed by: Committee for Economic Development Type of resource: PDF report Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This report from CED looks at the meaning of "openness" in the context of the digital economy, explores concepts such as open standards, open source, and open innovations, and makes a series of policy recommendations in these areas. Useful reading for anyone trying to get an overview of the "openness" terrain overall.
Dhttp://www.ced.org/docs/report/report_ecom_opensta ndards.pdf
OpenICDL
Developed by: Go-Open Campaign / ICDL Foundation Africa Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
"OpenICDL is an open source project that aims to develop and maintain a Free/Open Source version of the training materials used to ready students for the International Computer Driving License certification." Materials cover Basic Concepts of IT, Using a Computer and Managing Files (K Desktop Environment), Word Processing (OpenOffice.org Writer), Spreadsheets (OpenOffice.org Calc), Databases (OpenOffice DB), Presentations (OpenOffice.org Impress) and Information and Communications (Mozilla 1.4 and Ximian Evolution 1.4). Materials are available in HTML and PDF versions.
Dhttp://icdl.tsf.org.za/courseware.html
OpenOffice Training Materials
Developed by: ByteBot.net (Colin Charles) Type of resource: Web site - OOo and PDF files Target audience: General, Trainers Cost: Free access
Ready-made OOo slide presentations (also available as PDF files) introducing all the tools in the OpenOffice.org suite. Useful for both trainers and end-users.
PortableApps.com
Developed by: PortableApps.com Type of resource: Software downloads Target audience: General Cost: Free access
"A portable app is a computer program that you can carry around with you on a portable device and use on any Windows computer. When your USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod or other portable device is plugged in, you have access to your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. And when you unplug, none of your personal data is left behind." The PortableApps.com site hosts "portable" versions of popular open source tools such as Firefox and OpenOffice.org
Ten Myths about Open Source Software
Developed by: Tim O'Reilly Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This transcript of a talk by Tim O'Reilly addresses someof the myths surrounding Open Source software, such as "Open Source Software Isn't Reliable or Supported" and "The Open Source movement isn't sustainable, since people will stop developing free software once they see others making lots of money from their efforts."
Dhttp://opensource.oreilly.com/news/myths_1199.html
Understanding Open Source Software
Developed by: Groklaw Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Good introduction by Red Hat's Mark Webbink looking at "What is open source software", the fundamentals of copyright law, myths about open source software, and key concepts relating to open source licensing.
Dhttp://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=200312310 92027900
Why You Should Switch to the Mozilla Firebird browser
Developed by: Mozilla Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article by Ben Goodger looks at the features which make Mozilla Firebird a superior browser.
Dhttp://www.mozilla.org/products/firebird/why/
Open Source - Tips for migrating
Building An Open Source Office: GRO Case Study
Developed by: LINC Project Type of resource: Web site/PDF Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This case study is a useful starting point for grassroots (and other) organizations who are considering moving over to open source software.
Dhttp://www.lincproject.org/toolkit/linux/gro2/
IDA Open Source Migration Guidelines
Developed by: European Union Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Free access
The IDA Open Source Migration Guidelines provide practical and detailed recommendations on how to migrate to Open Source Software (OSS)-based office applications, calendaring, e-mail and other standard applications.
Dhttp://europa.eu.int/ISPO/ida/export/files/en/1618 .pdf
Open Source - Open source for development
Editor's choice: Open Source in Africa: Towards Informed Decision-Making
Developed by: Martin Bruggink / IICD Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Free access
"This Brief summarises research carried out in Tanzania, Uganda and Burkina Faso and other countries, asking where, how, and why open source software is being used in Africa. Researcher Martin Bruggink highlights the opportunities as well as the risks facing IT managers in African institutions who are thinking of making the switch to open source."
Dhttp://www.ftpiicd.org/files/research/briefs/Brief 7.pdf
Choosing and using open source software: a primer for nonprofits
Developed by: Nonprofit Open Source Initiative Type of resource: http://www.nosi.net/primer/NOSIPrimer.pdf Target audience: General Cost: Free access
"Choosing and Using Open Source Software: A Primer for Nonprofits" from NOSIdescribes what open source software is and what impact it may have on the nonprofit sector. It includes case-studies of nonprofits of various sizes that are using open source software, a process for evaluating whether or not open source is right for an organization, and useful resources and information.
Dhttp://www.nosi.net/primer/NOSIPrimer.pdf
Free Software / Open Source Software and Civil Society Organizations - the guide
Developed by: i_CAN Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This site includes a calendar of events, news, and other resources on Open Source for civil society organizations.
Dhttp://www.work.artnet.org/opensource
How Open Source Can Open Doors for Nonprofits
Developed by: TechSoup Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article by Jamie McClelland and Reuben Silvers argues that the natural connection between nonprofits and the open source software movement has not yet been fully realized, and that "by developing this connection nonprofits will not only benefit from the advantages of open source software but will be able to uniquely contribute to the development of new and richer open source patterns to the benefit of both nonprofits and the greater open source software movement."
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/howto/articlepage.cfm?Arti cleId=426
Licence fees and GDP per capita: The case for open source in developing countries
Developed by: Rishab Aiyer Ghosh Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article in First Monday argues that the open source development community provides an environment of intensive interactive skills development at little explicit cost, which is particularly useful for local development of skills, especially in economically disadvantaged regions. It includes a table on "Licence fee relative to GDP/capita", concluding that the share of licence fees in the total cost of ownership of proprietary software is much higher than in high labour cost countries.
Dhttp://firstmonday.org/issues/issue8_12/ghosh/inde x.html
Open Source and the Voluntary Sector
Developed by: Openflows, Networks ltd. Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Topics covered in this report include Advantages of Open Source Software, Case Studies of NGOs Using OSS, Open Source Packages and Support Using Open Source Software. While the report has a Canadian focus it will also be useful to readers in other countries.
Dhttp://www.openflows.org/article.pl?sid=03/05/29/1 349220
Open Source in Developing Countries
Developed by: SIDA Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This 2004 report by SIDA looks at the open source phenomenon in general, and as it relates to developing countries in particular.
Dhttp://www.sida.org/sida/jsp/sida.jsp?d=118&a=3055 &searchWords=open%2520source&language=en_US
Open source is on the map
Developed by: Dan McQuillan Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Open source software is making inroads into the voluntary sector. Dan McQuillan of Lasa’s Information Systems Team and the Multikulti project highlights the potential, the pitfalls and gives some proposals for the future.
Dhttp://www.lasa.org.uk/cgi-bin/publisher/display.c gi?1427-10103-12611+computanews
Open Source Software: Perspectives for Development
Developed by: Paul Dravis Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Free access
infoDev-supported report aimed at decision makers.
Dhttp://www.infodev.org/symp2003/publications/OpenS ourceSoftware.pdf
Using Open Source Software in Your Nonprofit Organization
Developed by: Dot Org Issue #11 Type of resource: Web guide Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article looks at the strategic issues for non-profits in using open source software.
Dhttp://lstech.org/resource_lib/software/open_sourc e/Using_OSS_NPO.html
Open Source - Open source for education
Collaborative development of open content: A process model to unlock the potential for African universities
Developed by: First Monday Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article, by Derek Keats of the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, looks at "lessons learned from open source software development and uses these lessons to build the foundations of a process model for the collaborative development of open content." Although written within the context of higher education, the article discusses issues relating to open source and open content which will be of use to a wider audience.
Dhttp://firstmonday.org/issues/issue8_2/keats/
Easy Linux Introductory Guide to Computers
Developed by: Victor van Reijswoud, Mulo Emmanuel, Alex Mbaziira Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This pilot manual is a guide for basic computer literacy - how to turn on a computer and what the different hardware and software elements are - as well as an introduction to common FOSS programmes including navigation and email tools, OpenOffice.org Writer and Calc. The manual overcomes barriers to learning by including a lot of visuals and very little text. It has been pilot-tested with remote NGOs and school children in Uganda.
Dhttp://www.eacoss.org/dmdocuments/Guide_to_compute r_literacy_V3.2.pdf
Free/Open Software for Education
Developed by: International Open Source Network, UNDP Asia Pacific Development Information Programme Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Free access
The International Open Source Network, an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme, has produced a 48-page primer on 'Free/Open Source Software and Education', which is now available for free public download. The primer is intended to help policy-makers and decision-makers understand the potential use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in education. Topics covered include where and how FOSS can be used, why it should be used, and what issues are involved. The officials in ministries of education, school and university administrators, academic staff and researchers should find the primer particularly useful, according to the project. The primer site features a discussion forum for feedback and case studies for input into future versions.
Dhttp://www.iosn.net/education/foss-education-prime r/fossPrimer-Education.pdf
Lessons from Open Source: Intellectual Property and Courseware
Developed by: Jan Newmarch / First Monday Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
"In this competitive age, universities are seeking ways to protect their intellectual property, for fear that it might be stolen or used by others without financial benefit coming back to the university. Increasingly, universities are using mechanisms of secrecy to secure their property. This paper argues that this approach is wrong on both moral and business grounds, and that a better model can be found in the Open Source movement of the software industry."
This article, although mainly concerned with tertiary education, offers insights which apply to training materials more generally.
Dhttp://www.firstmonday.dk/issues/issue6_6/newmarch /
Moodle
Developed by: Moodle project Type of resource: Software Target audience: General, Trainers Cost: Free access
Moodle is an open source course management system designed to help educators create quality online courses, based on principles of social constructionist pedagogy.
SchoolForge
Developed by: SchoolForge Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General, Trainers Cost: Free access
Schoolforge's mission is to unify independent organizations that advocate, use, and develop open resources for primary and secondary education. Schoolforge is intended to empower member organizations to make open educational resources more effective, efficient, and ubiquitous by enhancing communication, sharing resources, and increasing the transparency of development. Schoolforge members advocate the use of open source and free software, open texts and lessons, and open curricula for the advancement of education and the betterment of humankind. The SchoolForge web site
SEUL/edu
Developed by: SEUL/edu Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General, Trainers Cost: Free access
SEUL/edu is dedicated to furthering the use of Linux and other open resources in education. This covers all aspects of educational uses of Linux, by teachers, parents, and students.
Open Source - Open source for libraries
Koha
Developed by: Koha Type of resource: Software Target audience: Information intermediaries Cost: Free access
The Koha open source library system is a full catalogue, OPAC, circulation, member management and acquisitions package.
Open Source Software and Libraries Bibliography
Developed by: Brenda Chawner Type of resource: Online bibliography Target audience: General, Information intermediaries Cost: Free access
This bibliography has been compiled by Brenda Chawner, School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, as part of her Ph.D. studies. This is the first version, and it includes announcements, journal articles, and web documents that are about open source software development in libraries. It also includes articles that describe specific open source applications used in libraries, in particular Koha, Greenstone, and MyLibrary.
Dhttp://www2.vuw.ac.nz/staff/brenda_chawner/biblio. html
Open Source - Case studies and examples
Greenpeace Southeast Asia Moves to Free Software
Developed by: Linux Journal Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This short article by Fred Noronha reports on Greenpeace's use of open source software.
Dhttp://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=6598
Human rights groups using Martus
Developed by: Martus Type of resource: Web page Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Martus is a software tool that allows users to document incidents of human rights abuse by creating bulletins and uploading them to servers located around the world. This article includes NGO case studies from Sri Lanka, Philippines, Guatemala, and Russia.
Dhttp://www.martus.org/resources/case_studies.shtml
Open Source Software: Case studies examining its use
Developed by: The Dravis Group Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Case studies of open source implementation in situations as diverse as the US postal service and rural India. Key research findings of the study are that
- Cost is a significant factor driving adoption
- Control and flexibility are considered benefits as well
- Implementation of open solutions is evolutionary, not revolutionary
- Open source extends across the entire software stack
- Product support is not a significant concern
- Open standards may be more important that open source
Dhttp://www.dravisgroup.com/HTML/documents/OpenSour ce-WB.pdf
Open Source - Linux
User Guide to Using the Linux Desktop
Developed by: International Open Source Network Type of resource: Web guide Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Introductory user guide to PCs running the Linux operating system. The main aim is to provide a self-learning guide on how to use a modern Linux desktop system. It assumes that the user has no prior knowledge of Linux or PC usage.
Dhttp://www.iosn.net/training/end-user-manual/
GNU/Linux on old hardware
Developed by: Polishlinux Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article by Borys Musielak looks at the main issues relating to running Linux on older hardware.
Dhttp://polishlinux.org/choose/linux-on-old-hardwar e/
Linux: pre-installation tips
Developed by: ZDNet Australia Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
"No matter which Linux distribution you choose, there are at least 10 things you need to do properly to prepare the operating system for day-to-day use." This ZDNet guide looks at ten key tasks you should perform when you first install Linux.
Dhttp://www.zdnet.com.au/insight/software/soa/Linux _Pre_installation_tips/0,39023769,39226014,00.htm
LinuxChix
Developed by: LinuxChix.org Type of resource: Web site and mailing lists. Target audience: General, Women Cost: Free access
Aimed primarily at women, the LinuxChix community offers mailing lists, annotated links to resources, and free online courses. "Men are also welcome - the only real rule is that the participants must be polite and helpful."
LiveCD List
Developed by: FrozenTech Type of resource: Web directory Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Linux "LiveCDs" are bootable CDs/DVDs of a Linux distribution. FrozenTech's LiveCD List provides an extensive list of LiveCDs and their primary functions (e.g. general desktop, education, security).
Dhttp://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php
Painless Linux
Developed by: TECHWR-L Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Although aimed primarily at writers, this article by Bruce Byfield offers a good general introduction to Linux for people from non-technical backgrounds.
Dhttp://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/magazine/technic al/linux.html
Table of equivalents / replacements / analogs of Windows software in Linux
Developed by: Nesov Artem / Valery V. Kachurov Type of resource: Web page Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This table lists Windows/Linux equivalents for the major categories of software.
Dhttp://www.linuxrsp.ru/win-lin-soft/table-eng.html
Open Source - Office productivity and project management
Tutorials for Open Office
Developed by: Tutorials for Open Office Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Web site with free learning tutorials on installing OpenOffice and using OpenOffice applications. Concise and brief instructions for self-learners and teachers.
Dhttp://www.tutorialsforopenoffice.org/
OpenOffice.org
Developed by: OpenOffice.org Type of resource: Software Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Open Source office productivity suite.
OpenOffice.org Forum
Developed by: OpenOffice.org Forum Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Discussion boards including Oo Setup and Troubleshooting ; OOo Writer; OpenOffice.org Calc; OOo Impress; OOo Draw and OOo Math. A great place to get your questions answered.
Microsoft PowerPoint versus OpenOffice.org Impress
Developed by: Bruce Byfield Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article looks at the similarities and differences you can expect when moving over from Microsoft PowerPoint to OpenOffice.org Impress.
Dhttp://www.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=04/12/02/1 544200
MMTK OpenOffice.org training materials
Developed by: APC Type of resource: PDF files and OpenOffice.org files Target audience: General, Trainers Cost: Free access
This workshop kit offers materials which trainers can use as the basis of face-to-face workshops. Topics covered include OpenOffice.org Writer and OpenOffice.org Impress.
Dhttp://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/open source.shtml
MS Word 2000 and OpenOffice.org 1.03
Developed by: Bruce Byfield Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Table comparing MS Word and OpenOffice.org Writer features and commands; also useful as a quick reference for users who have just moved over to Writer.
Dhttp://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/pdfs/ooo-msword- table.pdf
Opening Up to OpenOffice.org: Finding an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Developed by: TECHWR-L Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article by Bruce Byfield will be particularly useful for advanced MS Word users who are considering moving over to OpenOffice.org Writer.
Dhttp://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/magazine/technic al/openofficewriter.html
The wide world of Linux word processors
Developed by: Jem Matzan Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article compares the main word processors - both open source and proprietary - available for GNU/Linux, and looks at what you need to take into account when choosing a word processor.
Dhttp://www.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=04/12/02/1 544200
Editor's choice: Taming OpenOffice.org Writer
Developed by: Jean Weber Type of resource: PDF file Target audience: General Cost: Fee
A comprehensive guide to using the OpenOffice word processing software, including tips for moving from MSWord to OpenOffice. The guide is "shareware", which means that you can download it free of charge, but you should pay a small fee to the developer if you decide to keep it.
Dhttp://www.taming-openoffice-org.com/writer/wpayme .htm
The KOffice Project
Developed by: K development team Type of resource: Office suite Target audience: General Cost: Free access
KOffice is a free, integrated office suite for KDE, the K Desktop Environment.
Open Source - Content management
APC ActionApps
Developed by: APC Type of resource: Content management software Target audience: General Cost: Free access
The ItrainOnline site is driven by ActionApps, an Open Source content management system developed by APC.
Dhttp://www.apc.org/actionapps/english/
Drupal
Developed by: Drupal Type of resource: Software tool Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Drupal is an open-source platform and content management system for building dynamic web sites offering a broad range of features and services including user administration, publishing workflow, discussion capabilities, news aggregation, metadata functionalities using controlled vocabularies and XML publishing for content sharing purposes.
Dhttp://drupal.org/project/drupal
opensourceCMS
Developed by: opensourceCMS Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This site lets you try out various content management systems (CMS) without having to install them on your local machine first. It also has guidelines to assist in the selection of CMSs for various purposes.
Dhttp://www.opensourcecms.com/
The Scout Portal Toolkit
Developed by: The Internet Scout Project Type of resource: Software Target audience: General Cost: Free access
"The Scout Portal Toolkit (SPT) allows groups or organizations that have a collection of knowledge or resources they want to share via the World Wide Web to put that collection online without making a big investment in technical resources or expertise." The tools require a web server with PHP 4.0.6 and MySQL 3.23 or later, and Linux system administration skills.
Dhttp://scout.wisc.edu/Projects/SPT/
Back-End - A Bilingual Content Management System
Developed by: OpenConcept Consulting Type of resource: Software Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Back-End is a bilingual, open source CMS built on the PHP scripting language and the MySQL database. Back-End is particularly aimed at advocacy organisations, and includes a suite of tools that allow you to create and manage polls and petitions.
Open Source - Miscellaneous sources of software
AVG Free for Linux
Developed by: Grisoft Type of resource: Software Target audience: General Cost: Free access
AVG Free for Linux is the Linux desktop version of the popular AVG Free antivirus tool. Although Linux viruses are less prevalent than viruses targeting Windows, Linux is not immune to malware threats, and as the use of Linux grows the risks increase.
Dhttp://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
David A. Wheeler’s Generally Recognized as Mature (GRAM) OSS/FS programs
Developed by: David A. Wheeler Type of resource: Web page Target audience: General Cost: Free access
A categorized short list of the most well established open source applications. Scroll down to “4. GRAM List”.
Dhttp://www.dwheeler.com/gram.html
Freshmeat
Developed by: Open Source Development Network, Inc. Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Lists thousands of open source software projects covering a full range of functions, environments and stages of maturity.
GNUWin
Developed by: GNUWin Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
GNUWin II is a free software compilation for Windows which includes software, articles and online help.
Dhttp://gnuwin.epfl.ch/en/index.html
Open Source Software for Windows
Developed by: TechSoup Type of resource: Web article Target audience: General Cost: Free access
This article by Joe Cancilla provides an overview of places to start to look for Open Source software for Windows.
Dhttp://techsoup.org/howto/articlepage.cfm?ArticleI d=523
OSdir.com
Developed by: O'Reilly Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
Directory of stable open source applications for various platforms and functions.
The OpenCD
Developed by: OpenCD Type of resource: Web site (downloadable CD content) Target audience: General Cost: Free access
15 open source programs for Windows. The programs are divided into six categories: office, Internet, multimedia, utilities, games, and education.
Open Source - Open content
Creative Commons
Developed by: Creative Commons Type of resource: Web site Target audience: General Cost: Free access
The Creative Commons initiative, based at Stanford Law School "is devoted to expanding the range of creative work available for others to build upon and share." Creative Commons offers a set of licences to help you share your work with others while retaining copyright.
Editor\'s choice: \"Copyright, copyleft and everything in between\': A multimedia curriculum on copyright alternatives in South Africa
Developed by: The Learning Commons Type of resource: website and downloadable executable file to save to CD Target audience: General, Trainers Cost: Free access
The Learning Commons technology collective offers this downloadable file on open content in South Africa. Written by Kerryn McKay and Heather Ford and animated by Phillipa Moore from Paraffin Interactive, these animated materials offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of copyright, the impact of copyright and technology on local culture and indigenous knowledge, and new alternatives to copyright that enable you to freely copy and redistribute royalty-free content on the internet. Available in multi-media CDRom with printed booklets for facilitators, the tool is geared toward Grade 9 students in South Africa. In \'Copyright and left\' learners engage in interactive games throughout the CDRom, and can take part in fun and challenging group work in order to apply the knowledge that they have learned. The final assignment will demonstrate the learners\' abilities to successfully combine the themes of the curriculum by developing a website for their peers on copyright and its alternatives.