Open Source in Education

Check out the following article to learn more about the benefits of using Linux and open source software.

Benefits of Using Open Source

Obviously cost, freedom to use, and flexibility cannot be outdone by proprietary software developers.   The user also has the benefit of getting support from where he wishes.  Since developers do their work in the open and online, anyone can learn the code and learn how to fix problems.  Read the article to get the full picture.

Open Source software developers respond quickly to the needs and desires of the users.  The open source software development model utilizes scores of developers reporting their potential solutions to the facilitators who organize the process.  When there is a challenge or problem, it is announced on listservs and blogs where interested people can immediately begin work.  When a solution arises, the software can be immediately updated and not wait for a pre-determined release date.

Here’s a NY Time article titled the “Time is Right for Linux PC’s to Emerge” (from its technology section) that explains the status of Linux in the PC market.

NY Times article titled “Time is Right for Linux PC’s to Emerge”

I am still amazed how few Mac and Linux computers there are compared to Microsoft-driven computers. Personally, I believe that open source advocates should encourage friends and neighbors to install Linux distributions such as Ubuntu on computers that are replaced by newer hardware. I have found that a used laptop runs great on Ubuntu.

As the article states, internet access today provides most of what most people want and need. I hope that people don’t take this statement to mean that Linux does not have high quality software packages. The Linux operating system and the great variety of Linux distributions (different packages of free software coupled with the Linux kernal) have many strengths.