Open Source Opening Minds, Cutting Costs

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday October 14, 2008

writes Leigh Tonkin

FED up with paying top dollar to software companies but don't want to be a software pirate?

There are alternatives for the tech-savvy out there why not try your hand at open source software.

There are open source alternatives available for most software, like the operating system Linux, which can replace Microsoft Windows or Mac OS.

Linux is free to use and all users have the ability to contribute to its development. Because it has a "co-operative development model", it's known as free software, or socially responsible software, in contrast with the closed source software made by software companies that is copyrighted and costs money to purchase a licence to use it legally.

Similarly, graphics program Gimpshop or internet browser Mozilla Firefox provide an open source alternative to programs like Photoshop or Internet Explorer.

It's not necessary to change over to the Linux operating system from Windows to use open source software many programs come in formats to fit several operating systems.

Websites like Wikipedia are made with the same spirit of user contributions and collaboration.

Open source software is ideal for people who feel dishonest using pirated software, but can't afford to upgrade to the software companies' real deal.

Even if you're not a computer nerd, it's pretty easy to get hooked up with open source software and there are groups out there, like Newcastle's LOGIN, to help.

Steve Lindsay, one of the organisers of LOGIN, said the group sees itself as mainly enthusiasts, although many members also work in the IT industry.

"For a lot of people who get involved, it's a hobby," he said of the group, which stands for the Linux Owners in Newcastle Group.

"There's no barrier to getting involved. It's all pretty open and the community is too."

Lindsay said access to open source was an important thing for a number of reasons, including social justice.

"It's about software for which the code is open and accessible to those who want to make changes," he said.

"It's a good thing for public institutions to have access to it.

"It's very cheap and can be used everywhere."

A prime example is the One Laptop Per Child program, which uses Linux and open source software to reduce costs, allowing it to create laptops for $US200. The program is dedicated to creating a cheap-as-chips laptop and making it available to children growing up in underdeveloped countries, so they have the opportunity to get online and grow up with computers.

LOGIN meets once a month. They usually have a presentation on a Linux-related topic, and afterwards discuss any questions on topics like installation and troubleshooting, along with more advanced topics.

The group has a loose structure, with no fixed membership although about 30 to 40 people regularly attend meetings.

Along with bouncing Linux topics off each other, the group encourages others to use Linux.

Linux users groups are a great way to get into open source software, Lindsay said.

"Most capital cities would have one and some smaller towns and cities as well," he said.

They all come under the umbrella organisation Linux Australia (www.linux.org.au), which has about 5000 users and developers under its wings.

Another way LOGIN encourages open source software use is through the annual Software Freedom Day.

Held on September 20 this year, Software Freedom Day had more than 500 groups participate from more than 90 countries. That is significant growth on the 330 teams that participated in 2007. LOGIN held an information stall at Charlestown to talk to the public about socially responsible software.

They gave out the OpenDisc for Windows and the brand new MacOpenDisc, created in Newcastle, which will be the basis of next year's official MacOpenDisc DVD. They demonstrated Linux as well.

Lindsay said in the IT industry, open source software was becoming more and more popular with companies like Google on board, but there was much less of it in the consumer space.

Many of the LOGIN members and Linux users, including Lindsay, do work in IT or computer programming, but the group ranges from kids in high school and university to IT professionals and enthusiasts of all ages.

"There are some who are very technical, guys who do software developing for a living, and others who are enthusiasts and like to tinker," he said.

"We're keen not to be exclusive."

LOGIN member Bruce Thompson comes from the other end of the spectrum.

Eight years ago, his daughter needed a computer to get onto the web at home to help with her school work.

"I didn't have the money for a Windows machine, and I'd heard about Linux," he said.

He went along to a LOGIN meeting to learn about the system and has been attending meetings since.

"Open source made me honest as I was able to afford the software," he said.

Thompson recommends Linux to kids interested in a career in IT as a good place to start.

Thompson is also involved with the Westlakes Linux Learners group, which has seen its numbers double after LOGIN's involvement in the recent Software Free Day.

Members are mostly male, but Thompson said LOGIN, especially the female members, was keen to see more women coming to meetings.

"Everyone contributes what they can do best," he said. "There are definitely some professional types, some of what is discussed is very high end, but after going for eight years, I've got a good handle on it."

He said he saw a change of thinking regarding Linux at this year's Software Freedom Day.

"We were giving away open source Windows software, but people came up to us and said 'no, we want to learn about Linux'.

"It makes it really fun, and you've got backup to help you out," he said.

Open source software is ideal for

people who feel dishonest using pirated

software, but cant afford to upgrade to

the software companies real deal.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home