Open Source Basics: Definitions, Models, and Questions

Johndan Johnson-EilolaClarkson University

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Open Source Software (OSS)

• Definitions and Examples• Broader Potentials of OSS

Concepts for TC

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Politicized DefinitionsTerm Key Aspects Major Names

FreeSoftware

Richard Stallman

OpenSource

users can copy andredistribute

users can access source code

users can modify andredistribute code

Eric Raymond, BrucePerens

GPLFree Software Variation:Copyleft (hacking copyrightlaw)

Richard Stallman

OpenStandards

interface specs (protocols andframeworks) publicly availablefor use

IBM, Netscape,Microsoft

SharedSource

users allowed to see sourcecode on as allowed by owners

Microsoft

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Free Software

• Freedom to run program• Freedom to study and adapt• Freedom to redistribute copies• Freedom to improve and

redistribute

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Open Source Software

• Concerns about confusion over term “Free”

• “A marketing program for free software.”

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GNU License

• GNU: “GNU is Not Unix”• Hacking copyright law: Requires

modifications to code to be released under GPL

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Open Standards

• Governing body develops and releases standards (e.g., HTML)

• Allows different organizations to code to standards

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Shared Source

• Individual organization allows selected or all developers to see code (but not modify, redistribute, etc.)

• Improves interactions among programs

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Implications for Doc

• Opportunities for Developing Open Source Documentation and Help

• Relocating Value: From Programming to Communication and Support

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Developing Doc for Open Source

• Linux struggling for desktop penetration

• Most doc for open source very primitive or non-existent

• Interfaces often assume experts• Possibilities for professional

organizations, student groups

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GIMP Interface

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GIMP Interface Detail

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Relocating Value

• Historical hierarchy elevating programming above documentation/usability (slow shifts)

• Many OSS business models founded on idea that support and training are worth more than software