What is Open Source?

The term "open source" refers to computer software that has been built by a global community of volunteers who make the source code freely available. Unlike the more widely known proprietary software model, whereby a software product is owned by a single company and users pay license fees to use it, open source gives users a freedom that no proprietary software will ever offer – this includes the freedom to obtain, modify and distribute the software.

Open source software embraces the philosophy of sharing. With open source, concepts such as piracy are not a problem. In fact, you are encouraged to share and spread open source software as much as you like. The open source license states that you may copy and re-distribute the software even after modifying it. This provides users with a freedom not obtainable from proprietary software and creates tremendous opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs around the world, especially in developing countries.

It is for these reasons that the Shuttleworth Foundation advocates the use of open source software; through providing effective and affordable access to information and communication technology, they believe that South Africa is one step closer to transitioning into a knowledge based economy. The latest innovation in this respect is the aptly named Freedom Toaster, an open source software distribution point that allows anyone to come and burn software to CD legally and for free.

"The Freedom Toaster project began as a means of overcoming the difficulty in obtaining Linux and Open Source software due to the restrictive telecommunications environment in South Africa, where the easy downloading of large pieces of software is just not possible," says Jason Hudson, Shuttleworth Foundation project manager. "Initially the name came about directly as a result of the fact that Linux is a free Operating System and that you “toast� a CD with Linux. However, it later became apparent that the name encapsulates the philosophy of open source software, where we have the freedom to choose which software we use, the freedom to change it if we like and the freedom to share it with anyone, for free."