Open source software is a type of software that meets the requirements of the OSI, an initiative recognized globally by users, companies, institutions, and public organizations. It should not be confused with free software, which shares some characteristics but has a different philosophy. Nor should it be confused with free software… although most open-source programs are free! Essentially, it is not just another type of software but a way of viewing the internet, resources, their distribution, access, and the integrity of the source code. Discover more!
What is Open Source Software?
To begin, let’s say that software is made up of various elements. One of these is the source code, i.e., the set of instructions the computer must follow. The source code is written in a programming language. Another element is the object code. This is a set of instructions that can be directly executed by the computer and is not understandable by humans.
On the other hand, software, like all human creations, is protected by copyright. In order for it to be used by users, the creators authorize its commercialization or distribution to third parties, who do so under the so-called “software licenses.” This is how we find different types of software.
Types of Software
Proprietary Software
In proprietary software, the source code is only available to the developer. The author retains intellectual property and authorizes use through licenses. The conditions are:
- Modification or adaptation is not allowed.
- Obviously, copying (piracy) is prohibited.
- It can be installed on a limited number of computers.
- The license sets the purposes for which it can be used.
- Violation of these conditions implies a breach of copyright.
Free Software
The most well-known example is Linux. Free software authors, like those of open-source software, are grouped under the Free Software Foundation and the GNU project. Its foundation is the freedom of the computer user. Its goal is to provide more freedoms to users compared to proprietary software. Essentially, there are four freedoms:
- To use it.
- To study it, understand how it works, and modify it, adapting it to their own needs.
- To distribute it by sending copies to other users who need it.
- To improve it, modifying the program to enhance it and making the improvements public to benefit the entire community.
It should be clear that free software authors retain copyright but make the programs available to the community to exercise these freedoms. It may or may not be free.
Open Source Software
Now, we come to the topic that concerns us: open-source software. It has a open source software development model similar to free software, but it focuses on the release of the source code. This allows more software to be developed in less time and at a lower cost than proprietary software.
Followers of open source software are grouped under the OSI (Open Source Initiative). In fact, it doesn’t only mean access to the source code. It must also meet other requirements, such as:
- Free distribution: The license must not prevent global distribution at no cost, meaning no royalties or any other type of payment can be required for distribution.
- Source code: New software must include the source code and allow its distribution. Through access to the source code, programmers can modify the program. However, no intermediate forms or malicious modifications are allowed.
- Derivative works: The license must allow modifications and derivative works to be distributed under the same terms as the original license.
- Non-discrimination: The license must not discriminate against any person, group of people, or fields of activity.
Free Software
Finally, we need to analyze free software. Although open source software and free software are often free, this is not always the case. We can simply say that it is computer software that does not require a license payment for its use.
There are many programs that can be downloaded for free from the internet. However, it is important to ensure they are of good quality and do not contain viruses or malicious code.
Why Use Open Source Software in the Classroom?
In the classroom… or any other setting. Why use open source software? As we saw earlier, more than a matter of costs or technologies, open-source software is a philosophical stance against proprietary software and paying for licenses.
For this reason, besides its practical advantages, it is interesting to use it in the classroom to promote a better understanding of the software market and the fact that there is not a single view based on profit. In reality, this idea is shared by many communities. For example, the cooperative movement is made up of companies based on principles and without profit motives.
Continuing with the comparison, the cooperative movement consists of nearly three million cooperatives that group more than 1.2 billion members and generate business in billions of dollars. The same is true for open-source software. Projects involve thousands of developers who produce software that is cheaper and more flexible than proprietary software, based on values and principles, where the community itself makes decisions.
What Open Source Software to Use in the Classroom?
Open source software is very popular, and you are probably already using it without realizing it. These programs are generically called OER (Open Educational Resources). They are typically distributed under the Creative Commons license, which grants permissions and rights to the user as mentioned above.
Within OER, we find teaching materials, courses, exams, texts, photographs, and videos. For example, popular MOOCs that include complete courses. Also, of course, open software for creating open learning content and learning platforms or virtual classrooms. Some examples of open-source software:
- Moodle: A well-known learning management tool.
- Chamilo: Another tool similar to Moodle, for managing in-person or virtual learning.
- LibreOffice: A well-known open-source office software suite. It offers a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, vector graphic editor, and more.
- Calibre: An e-book manager and organizer.
- Mozilla Firefox: A web browser developed for several operating systems like Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Scratch: A visual programming language widely used in classrooms to develop computational thinking.
- PDF Creator: An application that allows you to convert documents to PDF format.
Did you know? Now you will probably use them with more enthusiasm. When doing so, don’t forget to highlight in the classroom that you are using open source software. This will inspire your students to have a different view of the world of software, software licenses, and the purchase of proprietary software.
That’s all for the information on “What is Open Source Software and Why Implement It in the Classroom?” We hope it was useful. Remember, in RecursosTICs you will find resources and tools for your computer science classes. Feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions. Also, follow us on social media to stay up to date with our news.
What did you think of this content?
