Free and Open Source Software
Q.What is software ?
A.Software is the stuff that transforms a computer from a lump of metal into a useful tool.
Q.What is free software ?
A.Software that you can copy and give to your friends without breaking any laws.
Q.Does that mean I don't have to part with any cash ?
A.Not necessarily; you can buy a CD or DVD of free software, but you are only paying for the cost of the disc and the time of the person who made the copy. Most people 'download' it over the Internet if they have a fast Internet connection.
Q.My neighbour uses Microsoft Windows XP™, Microsoft Word™, Excel™ and some games. Can I get a free copy of these ?
A.No, but you can get free software of the same quality (or better) to perform the same functions.
Q.Where do I get it from ?
A.There are many sources for free software (see the links at the end of this page).
You may know someone who is already using free software.
There are magazines devoted to the subject and lots of information on the Internet.
Q.What is the difference between the 'World Wide Web' and the Internet ?
A.The Internet is the infrastructure. The World Wide Web (or web for short) is the vast store of information
that is organized in such a way that you can access it through software known as a 'web browser'.
Q.What is a web browser ?
A.A piece of software that allows you to display information stored in 'web sites'.
Many people use Microsoft Internet Explorer™ which although it costs nothing is not free software (see link to definition of free software).
Firefox is the most popular 'free' browser and will run on Microsoft Windows™ and Gnu/Linux
Q.I have an old computer that is not powerful enough to run Windows XP™ or Windows Vista™, can I get free software to run on it ?
A.Almost certainly yes. There are many variants of Gnu/Linux and software packages that are designed to provide a modern interface on old hardware.
Q.Surely this free software cannot be much good if it is given away, is it ?
A.Most free software goes through rigorous testing and it is supported by a small army of enthusiasts,
some paid, some giving their time for free.
Q.If I get this free software and have problems with it, how do I get help ?
A.You can get help over the Internet using your browser or email.
Businesses using free software may prefer to us a paid support service.
Popular Free Software
- Gnu/Linux - Turns your computer into a working system.
- LibreOffice - Word Processor and spreadsheet etc
- Firefox - Web browser
- Evolution - email
- Thunderbird - email
- Pidgin - Internet Messenger
- Shotwell - Photo Manager
- Gimp - Image Editor
- Banshee - Media Player
- Inkscape - Graphics Editor
- Gramps - Genealogy System
- Network Manager - Manage Connections
The above software come as part of a complete system on a single DVD or can be downloaded individually from the Internet.
Free Gnu/linux operating system
Did you know ? Google and Amazon run almost their whole operation using free software.
Watch this space for more information.