Open Source Software

Open Source Directories: Government sponsored / Non-government sponsored / More information

In open source software, the source code is available so users can customize it and develop new versions. The open source philosophy encourages collaboration to modify and improve the product. It is copyright free.

Freeware
Software which is distributed freely. Use is free and no fee may be charged for redistribution. Copyright is held by the developer(s).

Further information:
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html
http://www.opensource.org/docs/definition.php

Open Source Directories

Government Affiliated Organizations

UNESCO
Free and open source software portal
http://portal.unesco.org/

Free Software Directory
an initiative of UNESCO and the Free Software Foundation
http://directory.fsf.org/

CanOpenER
Canadian Open Source Education and Research
Read what open source users are thinking about. This is a site where people can exchange ideas.
http://www.canopener.ca/

MILLE
MILLE is a project in the francophone sector which is investigating open source software for use in schools. You can find out what other boards are doing as well as have access to software
http://www.mille.ca/

Colibri s (COntenu LIBRe pour Institutions Scolaires)
This is a section of the MILLE site where you can download a disk image of software that is useful for schools. A list of available software is available (Mac or Windows). All instructions are in French.
http://www.mille.ca/colibris/

The Free Software Foundation
There is a lot to explore. Of note is the Free Software Directory.
http://www.fsf.org/

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Non-government Affiliated Organizations

Sourceforge
Get the latest information on open source developments. Search the database to find Open Source Software for all your purposes
http://sourceforge.net

Eduforge
"Eduforge is an open access environment designed for the sharing of ideas, research outcomes, open content and open source software for education."
http://eduforge.org/

Schoolforge
"Schoolforge's mission is to unify independent organizations that advocate, use, and develop open resources for primary and secondary education."
http://opensourceschools.org/

Freshmeat
This is a searchable database of open source applications
http://freshmeat.net/

O'Reilly OSDir
Information on Linux operating systems and software
http://shots.osdir.com/http://shots.osdir.com/

Open Source Living
This is an archive of the best open source applications grouped by function. An excellent resource
http://www.osliving.com/

Open Source as Alternative
Find open source alternatives to commercial software
http://www.osalt.com/

Open Source for Mac - The Free Mac Classroom
A great set of links for

productivity tools
Internet and communication tools
utilities and system tools
art, pictures and graphics
music and sound creation
movies, films and video,
business applications
content management systems
and much more

http://web.mac.com/simon_elliott/iWeb/simon_elliott%40mac.com/Software.html

Open Source Mac
A simple list of free and open source software for Mac
http://www.opensourcemac.org/

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Information Sites

OpenSource.org
"Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to managing and promoting the Open Source Definition for the good of the community, specifically through the OSI Certified Open Source Software certification mark and program."
http://opensource.org/

GNU
Coordination of licensing for open source software
http://www.gnu.org/

K12OS
Find news about open source in education. There are links, resources and discussions
http://k12os.org/

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