 - Free and open source software (FOSS), also known as free/libre open source software (FLOSS) and free/open source software (F/OSS), is software developed by informal collaborative networks of programmers. The source code is licensed free of charge, encouraging modifications and improvements.
The term free software refers to a lack of restrictions on individual users as well as zero cost; the term open source
software refers to collaborative or networked development. FOSS, which embraces the benefits and adherents of both paradigms, is gaining widespread acceptance as traditional modes of software design are challenged.
The increasing popularity of FOSS has led to frustration in some circles for at least three reasons:
- Conventional software developers, distributors and sellers fear that FOSS will undercut their profits.
- Abuse of FOSS privileges may lead to questionable claims of copyright or trademark protection, thereby spawning litigation.
- The monetary value of FOSS is unclear, so governments have trouble figuring out how to tax it.
Learn More About IT:
FOSS Bazaar is a community of free and open source software governance.
Fossology provides free data analysis tools for FOSS development.
Infonomics is conducting a FOSS-related survey and study.
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Learn more about Open source applications for Linux |
| Nagios: Configuration and integration advice: Check out our guide to open source networking monitoring tool Nagios for expert advice, tips, case studies and news. |
| Linux security: Top 10 tips: Harden your Linux security further with these tips on Bash, the command line, PAM, Novell's AppArmor and more. |
| OpenOffice 2.0 Toolbox: Get started with open source office suite OpenOffice 2.0. You'll find help on simple tasks like formatting your toolbars and progress to connecting to databases and more. |
| OpenOffice 2.0 tips: The complete series: Master OpenOffice with these tips from Solveig Haugland. You'll go from simple tasks like formatting toolbars to tackling tougher challenges like bringing data into Base and more. |
| IT professionals' learning center: Check out our most popular chapter downloads that cover Linux security, virtualization and more. Then, take a look at what the authors have to say. |
| LAST UPDATED: |
05 Jun 2008
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