Open+Source

Open Source Alternatives to Desktop Applications:
Open source applications are free software available online. "To be considered as open source software by the software development industry, certain criteria must be met: Examples of Open Source Applications are: [|OpenOffice], [|GoogleDocs], [|Bubbl.us] and many others. There are endless amounts of open soucre applications. [|Mozilla] lists many open source applications that are commonly used.
 * The program must be freely distributed (It can be part of a package that is sold though, such as Red Hat has done with [|Linux] in the example below).
 * Source code must be included.
 * Anyone must be allowed to modify the source code.
 * Modified versions can be redistributed.
 * The license must not require the exclusion of other software or interfere with the operation of other software." (defined in [|www.howstuffworks.com])

__**How GoogleDocs Work in Plain English**__ - // by the Common Craft show // media type="youtube" key="eRqUE6IHTEA" height="344" width="425"


 * MY RECOMMENDATIONS/CLASSROOM APPLICATIONS**: I am not totally convinced that OpenOffice is a complete substitute for MSOffice. There are many higher-end tools that I am addicted to using in MSOffice that are not available in OpenOffice. That being said, this may not be the same for everyone. OpenOffice and GoogleDocs give a great application to those that are focusing on collaboration and/or access without depending so much on the product. More specifically, they are learning word processing and spreadsheets but not specifically learning it from one package. They are great programs for furthering skills through access. Cost is a big determinate for many districts in migrating towards Open Source applications.