Open source software
Open source software programmes can replace or supplement commercial programmes. Software is available for almost everything you want to use your computer for, including word processing, email, creating spreadsheets and databases, and graphic design.
Listed below are resources to help you find and choose the right open source software.
Not only is open source software free or low cost, but any user may copy and/or modify the software, and the source code - the nuts and bolts of the software - is publicly available. This, in turn, means that people can legally acquire a free copy of the software, copy it themselves or install it on multiple machines, distribute it and make changes to either suit their needs or fix bugs.
Open source software is available for people using Windows®, Mac® and other operating systems.
Guides
by the Commons Group, Canada (January 2004)
This introductory publication tackles questions like: 'what is open source?' and 'how will it benefit my organization?' It includes practical, down to earth advice on how to review open source software packages and select the right ones for you.
The document has been prepared for people responsible for the implementing IT systems in non-profit organisations. It is described as an organisational planning and decision making tool, rather than a detailed technical manual. You don't need to be a computer expert to benefit from this guide.
by Michelle Murrain, USA (March 2004)
A 28 page guide from the Nonprofit Open Source Initiative (NOSI). As well as background information case studies and "Six Steps" to using open software are included in the document.
by State Services Commission, NZ (March 2003)
Background information about open source software, and suggestions for next steps with respect to the use of open source software by government in New Zealand.
by Itrainonline
A good Open Source links page.
Software for everyone
TheOpenCD is a collection of high quality free and open source software. Included are 22 programs that run in Windows® and cover the most common tasks such as word processing, presentations, e-mail, web browsing, web design, and image manipulation. Programs have been carefully tested for stability and are considered appropriate for a wide audience.
Download: 238 MB (12 hours on a 56k modem).
Open Office productivity suite
This free productivity suite includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, and drawing program. It looks similar to other office suites, and has most of the same features.
Open Office has been developed by a community of software developers around the world and is constantly being refined. The most recent version available is v1.1.2.
To get a copy of the package for Windows®, Linux or Mac® operating systems, you can:
A list of training resources and guides on how to use OpenOffice is available on the itrainOnline website. Titles listed include "Taming OpenOffice.org Writer" and "Living without Microsoft".
An all-in-one programme that allows you to browse the web, email, edit webpages, chat and more.
AbiWord is a free word processing program similar to Microsoft Word. It is suitable for typing papers, letters, reports, memos, and so forth.
PDFCreator is a free tool to create portable document format (PDF) files easily from nearly any software programme. With the PDFCreator you can turn any program into a PDF generator.
The GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It can be used for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It works on many operating systems, in many languages.
Software and resources for advanced users
The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to managing and promoting the Open Source Definition for the good of the community.
A global open source software development website,
with a large collection of Open Source code and applications available on the Internet.
A free computer operating system to that can replace or supplement Windows® or Mac® OS.
A collection of tools to set-up and manage websites. The portal contains news, forums and downloadable software.