FOSS

FOSS, What to say on FOSS.... Free and Open Source Software to those who does not know the meaning :)

Let's start by figuring out why do we need FOSS? Yea, why do we need them?

First of all, they are free. Mmmm.... It does not say they come without a cost. What about the cost of downloading them? What about the cost of copying them to CD and DVD? They do have a cost.




The tiny light bulb in my brain flashes. What about ubuntu. You can get a free CD from them. They incur the shipping cost too. Great isn't it? :)


Secondly you can re-distribute them freely. In simple words, you can copy FOSS anytime you like. There are no registrations, activations, buying license etc. They are free.


Next advantage is for smart guys ( I prefer smart to Geek). If you are such a smart guy, you can customize FOSS to suit your needs and re-distribute.


Then the million dollar question. Can we trust FOSS? Will I lose my valuable documents in the PC by using software which comes free? I don't say no. There is a tendency. Here the old age adage Caveat Emptor rules. Don't know what that means? It's let the buyer beware. all that means is you are responsible for what you buy; here what you get, in the sense of FOSS.


Will list some FOSS which never let me down.

Mozilla firefox - a nice web browser
Fedora core - A linux based operating system
Mozilla sunbird - an organizer / diary / Calender
Open office - office package (just like Xx-office ; you know what Xx, right? )
PCLinuxOS - Another linux based operating system.