Open Source Software

[rgloginja]

As a new member, and an advocate for Free/Open source technology, I thought I would take it upon myself to run/re-run through Free/Open Source.

Open source is an approach to the design, development, and distribution of software, offering practical accessibility to a software's source code.

I am not going to get into all the arguments that come along with this type of technology, however I will start by saying that it is a viable alternative to forking out massive amounts of dollars for a Windows license.

I have been using GNU/Linux now for over ten years, and have found it to be as solid as a rock with just about every application I need to run a successful business. From POS software (see LemonPOS) to OpenOffice.org (see Alternative to Microsoft Office), there is a multitude of software waiting to be utilized on this operating system.

As of now, I using the Ubuntu distro of GNU/Linux, and with its package manager (No need to install off CD/DVD) you have access to thousands of software packages, with more available through third party repositories.

However, you dont need to migrate your whole Windows OS to Linux (or Apple). There is thousand - hundreds of thousands even millions - of application for Windows that are FREE and open source.

Some people might find the fact of learning a new Operating System daunting. More people will also think that there is a lack of support for Free Software. With a little bit of research, you will find that there is a wealth of help and knowledge out there and the support is much quicker than waiting for some MSCE to give you instructions on how to print a "Hello, world!" example from your printer.

If you haven't had a chance yet, find or download a copy of a LiveCD of GNU/Linux (try Ubuntu). Restart your computer with the copy of the CD/DVD and have a little play around... You might surprise yourself.

I am always available to discuss who GNU/Linux or FREE software in general can benfit your business.

[Astrid]

Hi

I am using NeoOffice (the openOffice version for MAC) for quite some years now. I'm still always a bit suspicious if my clients really can work with files I send but so far I haven't had any problems.
Thank God it's not that often anyway, apart form the odd letterhead that they want me to convert into Word or some assistance in PowerPoint.

Astrid