Open Source Tools Notes
Open Source Tools Notes
Open Sources
Open source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and
enhance. "Source code" is the part of software that most computer users don't ever see; it's the
code computer programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software—a
"program" or "application"—works. Programmers who have access to a computer program's
source code can improve that program by adding features to it or fixing parts that don't
always work correctly.
An open source tool refers to a software tool or application that is released under an open
source license. Open source software allows users to view, modify, and distribute the source
code, providing them with the freedom to use, customize, and share the tool as they see fit.
Software is proprietary by default under the laws of most countries. When creating a
program, the author automatically receives all rights to its distribution, modification, and use,
whereas waiving such rights requires documentation.
Closed source software refers to the computer software which source code is closed means
public is not given access to the source code. In short it is referred as CSS.
• In closed source software the source code is protected.
• The only individual or organization who has created the software can only change it.
• The price of closed source software is high and users need to have valid and authenticated
license to use the software. As it issues an authenticated license, it also puts a lot of
restrictions on users based on usability and modification of software.
East coast
Richard Stallman (1985), formerly a programmer at the MIT AI Lab, launched the GNU
Project and the Free Software Foundation.
• To satisfy the need for and give the benefit of ‘software freedom’ to computer users.
• Ultimate goal of the gnu project was to build a free operating system.
• The gnu general public license (gpl) was designed to ensure that the software produced by
gnu will remain free, and to promote the production of more and more free software.
West Coast
The Computer Science Research Group (CSRG) of the University of California at Berkeley
was improving the Unix system, and building applications which quickly become “BSD
Unix.”
Unix was initially developed by AT&T employees
• Efforts were funded mainly by DARPA contracts
• A network of Unix programmers around the world helped to debug, maintain and
improve the system.
• In late 1980s, distributed under the ``BSD license'' (one of the first open source licenses).
• Unfortunately, still contained some components that were proprietary requiring a license
from AT&T
STANDARD REQUIREMENTS
While there are no strict standard requirements for all open source software, there are certain
practices and principles that are commonly followed within the open source community. Here
are some standard requirements or expectations for open source software:
1. Open source license: Open source software should be released under an approved open
source license, such as the GNU General Public License (GPL), MIT License, Apache
License, or Creative Commons licenses. The license should grant users the freedom to
use, modify, distribute, and redistribute the software.
2. Source code availability: The source code of the software should be made readily
available to the users. This allows users to examine, modify, and build upon the code. The
source code should be distributed alongside the compiled or executable version of the
software.
3. Documentation: Open source software should include clear and comprehensive
documentation, providing instructions on installation, configuration, and usage.
Documentation helps users understand the software's functionality, features, and any
specific requirements.
4. Community engagement: Open source software should encourage community
engagement and participation. This involves creating a welcoming and inclusive
environment for developers, contributors, and users. Open source projects often have
forums, mailing lists, issue trackers, and collaborative platforms for communication and
collaboration.
5. Version control and collaboration tools: Open source software projects commonly use
version control systems like Git, Mercurial, or Subversion to manage the source code and
facilitate collaboration among contributors. These tools enable developers to track
changes, manage branches, and merge contributions.
6. Bug tracking and issue management: Open source software projects typically have
systems in place to track bugs, issues, and feature requests. This allows users and
developers to report problems, suggest improvements, and track progress. Popular bug
tracking systems include Bugzilla, JIRA, and GitHub Issues.
7. Testing and quality assurance: Open source software should undergo testing and
quality assurance processes to ensure its reliability and stability. This may involve
automated tests, manual testing, code reviews, and continuous integration (CI) systems to
catch and address bugs and vulnerabilities.
8. Collaboration guidelines: Open source projects often have guidelines or contributing
documentation that outline the expectations for contributors, including coding standards,
documentation conventions, and the process for submitting patches or pull requests.
These guidelines ensure a consistent and collaborative approach to development.
9. License compatibility: Open source software should be compatible with other open
source licenses. If the software incorporates third-party libraries or components, their
licenses should be compatible with the main open source license to avoid conflicts.
10. Community governance: Many open source projects have established governance
models to guide decision-making processes within the community. This may involve core
maintainers, project leads, or steering committees responsible for overseeing the project's
direction, resolving conflicts, and managing contributions.
FOSS Examples
• Linux (operating system) ➢ GCC (GNU compiler collection)
• KDE, GNOME, Xfce (desktop ➢ GNU toolchain: Autoconf, make, etc.
environments) ➢ Git, Subversion, CVS
• Android (phone operating ➢ OpenSSH (SSH server)
system/environment) ➢ Sendmail, Postfix (email transport
• Apache (web server) software)
• MySQL, PostgreSQL (DBMS's/servers) ➢ Octave (GNU Matlab clone)
• Perl, PHP, Python (scripting languages) ➢ GIMP (image manipulation a la
Photoshop)
• OpenOffice (office software suite)
➢ Drupal (content management system)
• Wordpress (blogging)
Features of FOSS
Here are some key characteristics of FOSS:
1. Freedom to use: FOSS allows users to run the software for any purpose, without any
restrictions.
2. Freedom to study: FOSS provides users with access to the source code, enabling them to
examine how the software works and understand its underlying logic.
3. Freedom to modify: FOSS permits users to modify the software's source code to suit
their specific needs. This customization empowers users to adapt the software to their
requirements, add new features, or fix bugs.
4. Freedom to distribute: FOSS allows users to share copies of the software with others,
either for free or for a fee. This freedom promotes the widespread availability and
accessibility of the software.
Benefits of FOSS
FOSS offers numerous benefits, including:
a. Cost savings: FOSS is often available at no cost, reducing expenses for individuals,
organizations, and businesses. It eliminates the need for costly software licenses and
allows users to allocate resources elsewhere.
b. Flexibility and customization: FOSS provides the flexibility to customize and tailor the
software to specific needs. Users can modify the source code, integrate it with other
systems, or extend its functionality.
c. Security and reliability: With open access to the source code, the FOSS community can
collectively review, audit, and enhance the software's security. Potential vulnerabilities
can be identified and addressed quickly, leading to more secure and reliable software.
d. Community collaboration: FOSS fosters collaboration among a global community of
developers, who contribute their skills, knowledge, and expertise to improve the software.
This collaborative approach leads to rapid innovation, bug fixes, and feature
enhancements.
e. Avoiding vendor lock-in: FOSS reduces the risk of being locked into a specific vendor's
proprietary software. Users have the freedom to switch between different FOSS solutions,
ensuring independence and flexibility.
f. Long-term sustainability: FOSS tends to have better long-term sustainability compared
to proprietary software. Even if the original developer or organization discontinues
support, the open nature of FOSS allows others to step in and continue its development.
History of FOSS
The history of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) can be traced back to the early days of
computing. Here is a brief overview of key milestones and developments in the history of
FOSS:
1. The Free Software Movement (1980s): The foundation of FOSS can be attributed to the
Free Software Movement, initiated by Richard Stallman in the 1980s. Stallman founded
the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and developed the GNU Project, aiming to create a
complete Unix-like operating system composed entirely of free software.
2. GNU General Public License (GPL) (1989): Richard Stallman released the first version
of the GNU General Public License (GPL), which is a widely used open source license.
The GPL ensured that software released under it would remain free and open source,
requiring derivative works to be distributed under the same license.
3. Linux (1991): Linus Torvalds created the Linux kernel, an open source Unix-like
operating system kernel. Linux combined with the GNU software tools created by the
FSF formed the basis for what is commonly referred to as the Linux operating system.
Linux gained popularity, and its success helped propel the FOSS movement forward.
4. Apache HTTP Server (1995): The Apache HTTP Server, developed by the Apache
Software Foundation, became one of the most popular web servers worldwide. It
demonstrated the power and scalability of FOSS and played a significant role in the
growth of the World Wide Web.
5. Open Source Initiative (OSI) (1998): The term "open source" was coined to convey the
benefits of FOSS to a broader audience. The Open Source Initiative (OSI) was formed to
promote and advocate for the open source development model. The OSI defined the Open
Source Definition and maintained a list of approved open source licenses.
6. Mozilla Firefox (2004): The Mozilla Foundation released the Firefox web browser as an
open source alternative to Internet Explorer. Firefox gained significant market share and
demonstrated that FOSS could compete with proprietary software in mainstream
applications.
7. Open Source in Enterprises (2000s onwards): FOSS began to gain traction in
enterprise environments, with organizations recognizing its benefits in terms of cost
savings, flexibility, and security. Companies like Red Hat, which focused on providing
enterprise-grade Linux distributions and support, played a crucial role in promoting FOSS
adoption in businesses.
8. Expansion of FOSS Ecosystem: The FOSS ecosystem expanded to cover a wide range
of software categories, including content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal),
databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL), office suites (e.g., LibreOffice), programming
languages (e.g., Python, Ruby), and more.
9. Collaboration Platforms and Version Control Systems: The emergence of
collaboration platforms like GitHub and version control systems like Git further
facilitated the collaborative development of FOSS. These platforms made it easier for
developers to contribute, track changes, and manage projects.
FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) presents unique legal considerations related to
copyrights, patents, contracts, and licenses. Here are some key issues to be aware of in each
area:
1. Copyrights in FOSS:
• Give credit to the original authors when using or sharing FOSS.
• Understand which licenses are compatible with each other to avoid conflicts.
2. Patents in FOSS:
• Be aware of potential patent infringement when using FOSS.
• Some organizations acquire patents to protect the FOSS community from patent
lawsuits.
3. Contracts in FOSS:
• Contributors may need to sign agreements to clarify ownership and licensing terms.
• Some FOSS projects offer dual licensing options for commercial use.
4. Licenses in FOSS:
• Follow the rules of FOSS licenses you use, such as giving proper attribution.
• Ensure compatibility between different FOSS licenses to avoid problems.
In summary, respect the rights of authors, be mindful of patent issues, clarify agreements
when contributing, and comply with FOSS licenses to avoid legal complications.
Copyrights, licenses, and contracts play crucial roles in protecting intellectual property rights
and governing the use and distribution of software. Here's how these elements apply to
FOSS.
Copyrights in FOSS: Copyright protection applies to the source code of FOSS. The original
creators or contributors of FOSS hold the copyright to their respective code contributions.
They have the exclusive rights to control the reproduction, distribution, and modification of
their code. Copyright automatically applies to eligible works upon creation, and it lasts for a
specific period of time.
FOSS Licenses: FOSS licenses define the terms and conditions under which users can use,
modify, and distribute the software. FOSS licenses, such as the GNU General Public License
(GPL), MIT License, Apache License, and others, ensure that the software remains open
source and grant specific rights to users. These licenses vary in their requirements, ranging
from copyleft licenses that mandate derivative works to be released under the same license
(e.g., GPL) to permissive licenses that allow more flexibility in how the code is used and
distributed (e.g., MIT License).
Patents: Patents are legal protections granted to inventors for new inventions or processes.
They provide exclusive rights to the patent holder, preventing others from making, using, or
selling the patented invention without permission. FOSS patents that are either held by
contributors to FOSS projects or are deemed to cover technologies or innovations
implemented in FOSS.
Contracts in FOSS: Contracts are less common in the FOSS context but can still play a role,
especially in commercial settings or when multiple parties collaborate on a project. Contracts
can outline the terms and agreements between contributors, specifying ownership, licensing,
and other obligations related to the FOSS project. They can also establish responsibilities and
warranties when FOSS is used or integrated into proprietary products.
1.4 APPLICATIAN OF OPEN SOURCES.
Open-source software (OSS) has a wide range of applications across various domains. Here
are some common applications of open-source software:
1. Operating Systems: Open-source operating systems, such as Linux, provide alternatives
to proprietary systems like Windows and macOS. They are used in servers, personal
computers, mobile devices, and embedded systems.
2. Web Development: Many popular web technologies and frameworks, including Apache,
Nginx, Node.js, and WordPress, are open source. They enable the creation of websites,
web applications, and content management systems.
3. Databases: Open-source databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB are widely
used for managing and storing structured and unstructured data in various applications,
from small-scale projects to large enterprise systems.
4. Content Management Systems (CMS): Open-source CMS platforms, such as
WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, provide tools for creating and managing websites and
digital content, making them popular among individuals, businesses, and organizations.
5. Development Tools: Open-source development tools, including programming languages
like Python, Java, and PHP, as well as integrated development environments (IDEs) like
Eclipse and Visual Studio Code, support software development across different domains.
6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Open-source frameworks like
TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn are extensively used in the development of AI and
machine learning applications. They provide libraries and tools for training and deploying
models.
7. Internet of Things (IoT): Open-source platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi are
widely used for prototyping and developing IoT projects. They offer hardware and
software solutions for building connected devices and smart systems.
8. Scientific Research: Open-source software is prevalent in scientific research, facilitating
data analysis, simulation, modeling, and visualization. Tools like R, GNU Octave, and
OpenFOAM are used in various scientific disciplines.
9. Security and Privacy: Open-source security tools, such as OpenSSL and GnuPG,
provide encryption, authentication, and secure communication protocols. They play a
crucial role in securing systems and protecting privacy.
10. Education: Open-source software is commonly used in educational institutions to teach
programming, computer science, and other disciplines. It provides accessible and cost-
effective tools for students and educators.
FEDORA
Fedora is a free and open-source Linux distribution that is maintained by Fedora
Project which is sponsored by Red Hat with support from other companies. Fedora is referred
to as a “bleeding edge” operating system. This implies that it regularly gets the latest software
updates, features, and drivers. As such, it’s an operating system recommended for users who
crave the latest applications, drivers, and features.
Fedora is designed as a reliable, secure, and general-purpose Linux distribution for all users.
It can be deployed in a workstation as a desktop operating system or used in a server
environment. New releases of Fedora are pushed out after 6 months. 38 versions of Fedora
have been released till date.
Features of Fedora
Here are some key aspects of Fedora:
1. Community-Driven: Fedora is developed by the Fedora Project, a community-driven
project sponsored by Red Hat. It encourages community participation and collaboration in
the development and improvement of the operating system.
2. Cutting-Edge Technology: Fedora aims to be at the forefront of technology by including
the latest stable versions of open-source software. It serves as a platform for testing and
showcasing new features and innovations in the Linux ecosystem.
3. Rapid Release Cycle: Fedora follows a fast release cycle, with a new version typically
released approximately every six months. This frequent release schedule allows users to
access the latest software updates and features quickly.
4. Variety of Editions: Fedora offers different editions tailored for specific use cases. The
main edition, Fedora Workstation, focuses on providing a user-friendly desktop
environment for developers and general users. Other editions include Fedora Server,
designed for server deployments, and Fedora IoT, targeting Internet of Things devices.
5. Package Management: Fedora uses the DNF package manager (a successor to YUM) for
software package installation, removal, and updates. The package repositories provide a
vast collection of open-source software applications.
6. Security-Focused: Fedora places a strong emphasis on security and includes features like
SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) to provide enhanced security measures. Regular
security updates and robust security practices are integral to the Fedora ecosystem.
7. Community Support: The Fedora community actively provides support through forums,
mailing lists, IRC channels, and documentation. Users can find assistance and engage
with other Fedora enthusiasts to troubleshoot issues or seek advice.
8. Upstream Contributions: Fedora plays a crucial role in contributing back to the open-
source community. It serves as a testing ground for new features and bug fixes, with
many improvements eventually making their way upstream to projects like the Linux
kernel.
UBUNTU
Ubuntu is a popular Linux-based operating system known for its user-friendly interface, ease
of use, and strong community support. Here's an overview of Ubuntu:
1. Background: Ubuntu was initially released in 2004 by Canonical Ltd., a company
founded by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. The name "Ubuntu" is
derived from an African philosophy that emphasizes community and sharing.
2. Debian-Based Distribution: Ubuntu is based on the Debian distribution of Linux. It
inherits many of Debian's features, package management system (APT), and extensive
software repositories.
3. User-Friendly Interface: Ubuntu focuses on providing a user-friendly experience,
making it accessible to both new and experienced users. It offers a visually appealing
desktop environment called "GNOME" by default, which provides a clean and intuitive
interface.
4. Regular Release Cycle: Ubuntu follows a predictable release cycle, with new versions
being released every six months. Each version is given a specific version number, derived
from the year and month of its release. For example, Ubuntu 20.04 was released in April
2020.
5. Long-Term Support (LTS) Releases: In addition to regular releases, Ubuntu offers
Long-Term Support (LTS) versions. These LTS releases are supported with security
updates and bug fixes for an extended period, typically five years, providing stability for
enterprise and long-term use.
6. Software Packages: Ubuntu provides a vast collection of pre-packaged software
applications, covering a wide range of needs. The Ubuntu Software Center (now known
as the GNOME Software) offers a convenient graphical interface for browsing and
installing software.
7. Ubuntu Flavors: Ubuntu offers different flavors that provide alternative desktop
environments and customized experiences. These include Kubuntu (KDE Plasma),
Xubuntu (Xfce), Lubuntu (LXQt), Ubuntu MATE (MATE desktop), and Ubuntu Budgie
(Budgie desktop).
8. Strong Community: Ubuntu has a large and active community of users and developers
who contribute to its development, provide support, and participate in forums, mailing
lists, and events. The Ubuntu community fosters collaboration, sharing, and open
communication.
9. Cloud and Server Editions: Ubuntu has gained significant popularity in cloud
computing and server deployments. Ubuntu Server Edition is a powerful platform for
running servers, and Ubuntu has become a popular choice for cloud deployments,
including the use of its own cloud management platform called "Ubuntu Server with
MAAS."
10. Commitment to Open Source: Ubuntu is rooted in the open-source philosophy, and
most of its software components are open source. It actively contributes to the open-
source community and supports initiatives for free and open-source software.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Design Tools
Design Tools which used to design the programming, like Photoshop for editing and
Designing Photos, similarly Open Source we have Software design Tool, like Argo UML.
Argo UML
Argo UML is a free open source software, used to design UML. UML is acronym for Unified
Markup Language, it Used to Design the Class Diagram, Activity Diagram, Package Diagram
• ArgoUML is a Java based UML tool that helps you do your design using UML. It is able
to create and save most of the nine standard UML diagrams.
• ArgoUML is not only a free UML modeling tool, it is also an Open Source Development
project where you are invited to contribute.
Git:
Git is the open source repository, to store our program or project. Its free of cost, and you
can use others code to view and download, in the same manner you can also share your
source code to the world. There are important commands are there in the git, like clone the
source repository, push to push your source code.
Bug
Bug is a Programming Errors, happening at the time of running. This needs to be fixed by the
programmer, but many times the programmer is not aware about it. This then must be
informed to the Software Developer or the company who Proving the Software.
After getting such an Exception or Error we need to create a bug, in the bug tracking
tools using Jira, Trac, BugZilla.
After Submitting the Bug, the corresponding team will fix the bug and release on the
next build.
BugZilla.
BugZilla is a Bug Tracking Tools, it free and open source, we can use this Bug Tracking
Tools in our Project, or in our College/ Universities.
2.4 BOOTSTRAP
Bootstrap is the open source libraries for web page development. It provides stunning website
with spending much time in the HTML or CSS or JQuery. The are build in Components are
there with rich look, like textbox, checkbox, radio button, tap.
How to get Bootstrap
We can download the bootstrap libraries from the online, such as:
http://getbootstrap.com.; using thislibraries
One can develop web pages for Desktop, Laptop, Mobile and other devices, it will adjust
based on the screen resolution.
Current version of the bootstrap is 5.0., Compiled CSS Libraries are found in:
https://getbootstrap.com/docs/5.0/getting-started/contents/#css-files
Sample Code
<div class="mb-3">
<label for="exampleFormControlInput1" class="form-label">Email address</label>
<input type="email" class="form-control" id="exampleFormControlInput1"
placeholder="[email protected]"></div><div class="mb-3">
<label for="exampleFormControlTextarea1" class="form-label">Example
textarea</label>
<textarea class="form-control" id="exampleFormControlTextarea1"
rows="3"></textarea></div>
Output:
Sample Code -2:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<title>Bootstrap Example</title>
<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
<link rel="stylesheet"
href="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.4.1/css/bootstrap.min.css">
<script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.6.4/jquery.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.4.1/js/bootstrap.min.js"></script>
</head>
<body>
<div class="container-fluid">
<h1>Hello World!</h1>
<p>Resize the browser window to see the effect.</p>
<p>The columns will automatically stack on top of each other when the screen is less than
768px
wide.</p>
<div class="row">
<div class="col-sm-4" style="background-color:lavender;">.col-sm-4</div>
<div class="col-sm-4" style="background-color:lavenderblush;">.col-sm-4</div>
<div class="col-sm-4" style="background-color:lavender;">.col-sm-4</div>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
We need to add these following libraries in the code
<link rel="stylesheet"
href="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.4.1/css/bootstrap.min.css">
<script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.6.4/jquery.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.4.1/js/bootstrap.min.js"></script>
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Open-Source Software
Open-source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and
enhance.
Case Studies
Case study is the learning mechanism about the case, how its used and implemented,
developed for the reasons its developed. For an Example: Case Study for the mobile is the
usage of mobile and the making and receiving the calls. For another example of case studies
about patient, the patient name, patient age, what type of diseases he is suffering, how long
he is taking medicine, what are impacts and improvements.
CASE STUDIES ON OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE
3.1 APACHE
Apache is the open source software foundation established in the year 1999, it developed lots
of the open source software, including ant, apache web server, Big Data, Hadoop, Mail API,
Kafka, like more than 100 open source software at free of cost to use.
Examples:
A. Apache Tomcat Server (Web Server for serve Web Request),
B. Apache Ant (Build Tools)
C. Apache Kafka - Middleware Messaging Platform some other projects
are…
Throughout the last few decades, Apache has proven to be a staple in many popular stacks
and the backbone of the early internet year. While it’s popularity is declining and the options
of web server choices are increasing, Apache still plays a pivotal role in many technology
stacks and companies system infrastructure. Even with new technologies and servers coming
out nonstop, Apache is still a technology every developer should learn how to handle and
configure.
Berkeley software distribution is also another one case studies for the open source software.
It developed lot of software for the software development to use at free of cost including
Linux and GNU Projects.
"Berkeley Software Distribution". is also called BSD, It is the name of distributions of source
code from the University of California, Berkel. Linux software is the example for the BSD
Software, Developed by Tennis Riche.
Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) is a group of related open source Unixlike operating
systems (OS) with origins in early versions of Research Unix at Bell Labs. FreeBSD is the
most popular member
First Version
• In 1977 created the first version of BSD called the PDP-11 with much fix in kernel and
object Pascal Compiler.
• Created by BILL JOY and CHUCK HALEY.
• In many years formed new versions of system.
• In 1983 created a new version of BSD called 4.2 BSD where included TCP/IP and IPC.
• This system has been published with of 1000 copies.
• In June 1994, 4.4 BSD was released in 2 forms: the freely distributable 4.4 BSD – Lite
contained no AT&T source, whereas 4.4 BSD – Encumbered was available, as earlier
releases had been, only to AT&T licensees.
• BSD lose distribution completion with Linux as a result, BSD become a
Open BSD.
• In August 2006, INFORMATION WEEK MAGAZINE rated 4.4 BSD as the
"GREATEST SOFTWARE EVER WRITTEN".
• "BSD 4.3 represents the single biggest theoretical undergirded of the Internet"
Various BSD - OS
1. Free BSD
• FreeBSD is an OS for a variety of platforms which focuses on features, speed, and
stability.It is developed and maintained by a large community of over 30 programmers.
• FreeBSD offers advanced networking, performance, security and compatibility features
today which are still missing in other OS, even some of the best commercial ones.
• FreeBSD makes an ideal internet server. It provides robust network services under the
heaviest loads and uses memory efficiently to maintain good response times for thousands
of simultaneous user processes.
• FreeBSD can be installed from a variety of media including CD-ROM, DVD, or directly
over the network using FTP or NFS.
• With over 24,000 ported libraries and applications, FreeBSD supports application for
desktop, server, appliance, and embedded environments.
• While you might expect an OS with these features to sell for a high price, FreeBSD is
available free of charge and comes with full source code.
FreeBSD Advantages
• FreeBSD is an extremely clean and predictable OS.
• It can act as an excellent alternative to traditional UNIX platforms
• Security is its primary concern as it is a monolithic kernel.
• It is stable
• Good Documentation
2. Open BSD
• It is a free and open-source operating system.
• It provides support 24/7.
• It provides better scalability.
• It removes all non-essential programs and reduces the problem of users encountering
security issues.
• It contains OpenSSH, which is cryptographic software for encrypting user data.
• It is based on the multi-platform 4.4BSD operating system, which is a UNIX-based
platform with advanced security features.
3. Net BSD
• It is optimized for ARM processors, providing a substantial advantage in IoT
applications.
• The availability of hardware acceleration and virtualization support paved the way for
more complicated applications.
• It has a straightforward and traditional design language that is simple to understand and
apply.
• It's well-documented, and there are various methods to get direct help as a community-
supported OS.
4. Dragonfly BSD
• Kernel
• NULL Filesystem Layer
• Variant Symlinks
• Managed SSD support
5. Ghost BSD
• It provides pre-installed multimedia codecs.
• It provides compatibility with Linux binaries.
• It has a MATE desktop environment.
• It has an automatic NIC configuration.
• It has user-friendly installation.
• It provides an integrated firewall.
• It includes full access to the FreeBSD software ports collection, pkgng, and custom
package management.
6. Midnight BSD
• It uses the Xfce desktop but originally utilized Window Maker and GNUstep, which is
similar to the NeXTSTEP environment and serves as the basis for modern macOS.
• It also includes the doas command from the OpenBSD project for administrative
purposes. It's identical to sudo, but its syntax file is simpler to understand.
• It has its own package manager and ports.
7. Nomad BSD
• NomadBSD may run on a variety of hardware combinations like FreeBSD OS.
• It comes pre-loaded with the Openbox window manager, although it may easily be
modified to run other window managers and desktop environments.
Discontinuation of BSD
• The legal dispute with AT&T: In the early 1990s, AT&T sued the CSRG, claiming that
BSD was infringing on their copyrights. The dispute dragged on for several years, and it
was a major distraction for the CSRG. In 1993, the court ruled in favor of BSD, but the
legal battle had a chilling effect on the development of the operating system.
• The increasing popularity of Linux: Linux was first released in 1991, and it quickly
gained popularity due to its free and open-source nature. Linux offered a similar set of
features and functionality as BSD, and it was also available on a wider range of hardware
platforms. This made it a more attractive option for many users and developers.
• The lack of funding for the CSRG: The CSRG was funded by the University of
California, Berkeley. However, in the early 1990s, the university began to cut back on
funding for the CSRG. This made it difficult for the CSRG to continue development of
BSD.
Mozilla is the one of the open source software foundation company, it developed lots of open
source project example mozilla firefox, thunderbird,
Mozilla firefox is the open source internet explorer, its most useful brower in this world, lots
of people are using the mozilla firefox, its performing more fast and easy to use, there are lots
of plugins are developed by the open source software developer.
Introduction
Open-source. Firefox is open-source, whereas Chrome is not. That means anyone can look at
Firefox's code and potentially find bugs which Mozilla can then quickly resolve. Open-source
products and software tend to be favored by cyber security experts because they're open for
vetting by the general public.
• In which language is Firefox written?
-> Firefox is written in a lot of different languages: C++ C (NSS, NSPR, various libraries
we've imported) x86 and ARM assembly.
• What kind of software is Firefox?
->Mozilla Firefox, or simply Firefox, is a free and open-source web browser developed by
the Mozilla Foundation and its subsidiary, the Mozilla Corporation.
Foundation
Formation July 15, 2003; 20 years ago
Founder Mozilla Organization
Origins Mountain View, California
Region United States
Products Firefox (Web Browser)
Thunderbird (Email Client)
Gecko (Layout Engine)
Chair Person Mitchell Baker
Executive Director Mark Surman
Subsidiaries Mozilla Corporation
Beijing Mozilla
Online LtdMZLA Technologies Corporation
Features of Firefox
The Firefox browser comes with several features, including the following:
• Extensions and add-ons: are security and ease-of-use features Firefox's open source
community creates. To Google Translate is a Firefox extension that uses Google
Translate to automatically translate pages into a user's desired language.
• Multiprocess: memory use enables Firefox Quantum to use less memory than previous
versions when users have multiple webpages open in tabs.
• Private browsing: with improved privacy features automatically erases passwords,
cookies and history after a browsing session. Firefox's private browsing modes also block
hidden trackers embedded in ads that slow performance.
• Ad blocker: prevents ads from showing on webpages, including video ads, ads with
trackers and third-party cookies
• Customization: settings let users change their browser's colors and add themes, such as
Space Galaxy, which includes images and colors associated with space.
• CapitalismSyncing: enables users to access their Firefox settings and data, including
passwords and open tabs, across multiple devices by storing their data on a private,
encrypted key on Firefox servers.
• Fingerprint blocking: prevents companies from creating unique profiles of users based
on their hardware, software, add-ons, default web browser and other preferences, such as
fonts. Companies use these fingerprints for targeted advertising campaigns and for
surveillance
• Picture-in-Picture: lets users watch videos while on other pages. It pops a video into a
separate window and pins it to the screen.
• Password manager: stores users' passwords and syncs them across devices.
• Added Features:
– Troubleshooting
– Basic browsing
– Install and update
– Sync and save
– Customize settings and preferences
– Protect your privacy
– Firefox for families
– Firefox for families
– Install and manage add-ons
– Back up your data
Advantages
• Speed — Firefox is reported to be the fastest browser when it comes to download speed.
Not only do programs and files download faster, but users get a record of all their
downloads in the form of a table, so they can erase or move them at their convenience.
• Security — This browser has some advanced security measures that help protect a
computer from spyware and even certain viruses.
• Tabbed browsing and other advanced features — Tabbed browsing allows the user
to open an unlimited number of pages in a single window, thus helping to organize
browsing.
• Easy Customization: The most important benefit of using Mozilla Firefox is its easy
customization.
Disadvantages
• Compatibility issues — The main disadvantage of Firefox® is compatibility. Some
websites do not show properly in this browser and require the user to view them with
IE®.
• Memory — Firefox® takes a lot of memory to run. Even with an up-to-date computer,
some users may find that it becomes hard to run the browser when several other programs
are open.
• Interrupted service — Another disadvantage is that downloads cannot be resumed if
they are interrupted. This may not be a big deal for people who have cable
or DSL service, but those on a dial-up connection may encounter many problems because
of it.
• More Plug-ins: The more Plug-ins are also an issue with the Mozilla Firefox, which slow
down the downloading of web pages.
Versions Of Firefox
Different versions of Firefox. These include the following:
• Firefox Quantum: This is the standard version of Firefox for browsing the internet. It is
available for download on Mozilla.org.
• Firefox Nightly: This is a version users and developers employ to test the browser and
features in development for bugs.
• Firefox Beta: This is a version non developers use to test new features before their
official release.
• Firefox Developer Edition: This is a web development version developers use to track
cascading style sheets and JavaScript; it includes a JavaScript debugger for users building
their own sites.
• Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR), or Firefox Enterprise: This is the enterprise
version of Firefox that lets organizations deploy the browser at scale. ESR updates once a
year unlike the standard Firefox browser that updates more frequently.
3.4 WIKIPEDIA
Wikipedia is one of the open source software foundation, it keeps lots of information, we can
read and share the information at free of cost. Suppose if we want to read any information we
need to go to the library, and read those information, similarly the wikipedia is a online
library on the internet world, its available for the people at free of cost. It is useful web for
the students, to know the day by day activities
For an example if we type Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia on the URL it provides all the
information on the day with out cost.
• WIKIPEDIA is a free online encyclopedia, created and maintain as an open collaboration
project.
• WIKIPEDIA was launched on January 15, 2001 by JIMMYWALES and LARRY
SANGER.
• Wiki comes from Hawaiian word which means “QUICK” and pedia from encyclopedia.
History
The history of Wikipedia can be divided into two main phases:
• the early years, from 2001 to 2006, and
• the later years, from 2007 to the present.
Use
• Free content
• User can edit/add comments, review, discuss
• Allows you to put your own articles.
• Provides answers from different resources to help the user to see it from different
perspectives.
• Employees use Wikipedia to attach files, update webpages, integrate information for their
jobs.
Functions
• Free content
• No commercial Ads
• Supported by Wikipedia from non profit organization
• Primary funding is by Donations
Wikipedia in Learning
• Wikipedia is community effort to create the best answer possible .
• There are different view points for the student to read
• Teachers can collect resources to make class interactive.
• Wikipedia is used as a starting point for many students when doing a project or
presentation.
Features
• Calender
• Member page
• Forum
• Email
• Blogs
• E-portifolios
• Chat
• File
Wikipedia facts:
o Initially introduce in English language
o Quick development
o Overall 40 Million Articles in 300 different languages
o By February 2023 ,It reached over 46 Billion views
o There are 10 Billion users per month.
o One of the top 10 websites
o It receives about 1500 articles per day
o Add banned congress people for a week
o Its annual day is called “WIKIPEDIA DAY”
o It supports 300 language.
o Originally it is supposed to be used by Experts and later they changed it for everyone.
3.5 JOOMLA
Joomla is also the content management system, its an award-winning content management
system (CMS), which enables you to build web sites and powerful online applications. It used
to manage the contents, what is an content, content can be a file, or picture or songs, if you
want to keep the file life long, we can go for the content management software such as
Joomla, or an git.
Joomla
Joomla is a popular, free, and open-source content management system (CMS) that enables
you to build websites and powerful online applications. It's user-friendly, extendable,
multilingual, accessible, responsive, and search engine optimized. Joomla 4 is the current
version, which was released in August 2021
Joomla Uses
• Corporate web sites or portals
• Corporate intranets and extranets
• Online magazines, newspapers, and publications
• E-commerce and online reservations
• Government applications
• Small business web sites
• Non-profit and organizational web sites
• Community-based portals
• School and religious web sites
• Personal or family homepages
Installing Joomla
Step 1: Download Joomla
Step 2: Upload Joomla to your server
Step 3: Create a Database
Step 4: Run the Installation
Step 5: Complete the Installation
That's it! You've successfully installed Joomla. Now you can log in to the Joomla
administration panel using he username and password you set during the installation and
start building your website.
Advantages
1. User-friendly: Joomla is very easy to use and navigate, making it a great choice for
beginners.
2. Customizable: Joomla is highly customizable, allowing you to create a website that
looks and feels like your own.
3. Versatile: Joomla can be used to create a wide variety of websites, including small
businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
4. Popular: Joomla is one of the most popular content management systems in the world,
and has been used by millions of people around the world.
5. Free: Joomla is free to use, making it a great choice for small businesses and nonprofit
organizations.
Disadvantage
1. Slow: Joomla can be slow to load, especially on large websites.
2. Limited features: Joomla doesn’t offer as many features as some other more popular
content management systems.
3. Incompatible with certain browsers: Joomla is not compatible with some of the most
popular browsers, such as Chrome and Firefox.
4. Limited customization: Joomla doesn’t offer as much customization options as some
other more popular content management systems.
5. Price: Joomla is not as cheap as some other content management systems.
6. Lack of support: Joomla doesn’t have as many third-party support options as some other
more popular content management systems.
3.6 GNU COMPILER COLLECTION
GNU means GNU not Unix. Is the full form of the GNU. It is developed by many software
developer, we can use this software program free of cost, for an example ssh, rsh, telnet, mail
are the GNU Related Command
GNU Compiler
The GNU compiler collection (GCC) is an optimizing compile produce by the GNU
project supporting various programming languages, hardware architectures and operating
systems. The free software foundation (fsf) distributes gcc as free software under the gnu
general public license (gnu gpl).
History
• The Free Software Foundation
– Non-profit corporation
– Founded in 1985 by Richard Stallman (RMS)
– Initially founded to support the GNU Project
• GNU Project
– Goal: to develop “a sufficient body of free software […] to get along without any
software that is not free.”
• GNU Operating System
– First released in 1992 with a Linux kernel
– Debian GNU/Hurd (available in unstable)
– Recent developments: GNOME and Gnash
– Needed development tools to get started
• Richard Stallman started GCC (1985) – Extended an existing Pastel compiler.
• Rewritten in C by Stallman and Len Tower (1987)
– Became the compiler for the GNU Project.
• Development supervised by the Free Software Foundation (FSF).
• First stable release in 1991 GCC 1.x.
GCC Structure
GCC is a driver program
• Interprets arguments
• Decides which language compiler to use for each input file
• Runs the assembler on outputs
• Runs the linker on object files
GCC Features
• GCC is a portable compile.
• GCC is not only a native compiler.
• GCC has multiple language frontends, for parsing different languages. Programs in each
language can be compiled, or cross-compiled, for any architecture. For example, an ADA
program can be compiled for a microcontroller, or a C program for a supercomputer.
• GCC has a modular design, allowing support for new languages and architectures to be
added.
• GCC is free software, distributed under the GNU General Public License (GNU
GPL).This means you have the freedom to use and to modify GCC, as with all GNU
software
GCC is an essential tool that contains several compilers for several programming languages.
Compilers are very effective, adaptable, potent, and portable.
Libre Office is also an open source software, it used for typing the letters, calculating the
values, and prensing like power point. Its equivalent to the MS-Office, like MS-Word, MS-
Excel and MS-Powerpoint, Suppose if we want use the MSOffice we need to pay monthly
some amount to the Micro Soft Corparation, instead of this we can use this free software.
This also behave same like MS - Office.
Libre Office
• LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that provides users with powerful tools
for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, and more.
• It is similar to other office suites like Microsoft Office, but differs in its approach to
licensing and development.
• One of the biggest differences between LibreOffice and other office suites is that it is
completely free to use and distribute.
• This means that anyone can download and install LibreOffice on their computer without
having to pay for a license.
• Additionally, because LibreOffice is open-source software, users have access to the
source code and can modify it to suit their needs. This makes LibreOffice a great choice
for individuals and organizations who want a powerful office suite without the high cost
of proprietary software.
Features
• LibreOffice offers a range of powerful features that make it a great alternative to other
office suites.
• One of its key strengths is its compatibility with Microsoft Office, which means you can
easily open and edit files created in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• This makes it an ideal choice for businesses and individuals who need to work with
different file formats.
• Another advantage of LibreOffice is its open-source nature. This means that the software
is free to use and can be modified by anyone.
• This has resulted in a vibrant community of developers who are constantly working to
improve the software and add new features.
• Finally, LibreOffice is designed to work on multiple platforms, including Windows,
macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for users who need to work across
different devices.
Use
• One of the biggest benefits of using LibreOffice is cost savings.
• Unlike other office suites that require a subscription or one-time purchase, LibreOffice is
completely free to use.
• This can be especially beneficial for small businesses or individuals who may not have
the budget for expensive software.
• Another benefit of LibreOffice is its security features. Because it is open-source software,
users can review the code and identify any potential security vulnerabilities.
• Additionally, LibreOffice does not require users to connect to the internet, which can
reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
1. LibreOffice Writer
• LibreOffice Writer is the word processing component of the LibreOffice suite. It offers a
wide range of features that make it a great alternative to other word processors.
• One of the standout features of Writer is its ability to handle large documents with ease.
Whether you're working on a novel, a thesis, or a report, Writer can handle it all without
slowing down.
2. LibreOffice Calc
• LibreOffice Calc is a powerful spreadsheet application that can handle complex
calculations with ease.
• It supports a wide range of functions and formulas, making it an ideal tool for data
analysis and financial modeling
3. LibreOffice Impress
• LibreOffice Impress is a powerful presentation tool that allows you to create stunning
presentations with ease.
• With its user-friendly interface and wide range of features, Impress can help you create
professional-quality presentations in no time.
• One of the key features of Impress is its ability to add multimedia elements to your
presentations.
4. LibreOffice Draw
• LibreOffice Draw is a powerful vector graphics editor that allows you to create
professional-quality diagrams, flowcharts, and other graphics with ease.
• One of the key features of LibreOffice Draw is its intuitive interface, which makes it easy
to create complex graphics quickly.
5. LibreOffice Base
• LibreOffice Base is a powerful and user-friendly database management tool that allows
you to create and manage databases with ease.
• Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, LibreOffice Base has everything you
need to get started. With LibreOffice Base, you can easily create tables, forms, queries,
and reports, all without needing any prior experience with databases.
6. LibreOffice Math
• LibreOffice Math is a powerful formula editor that allows users to create complex
mathematical equations with ease. Whether you need to create simple formulas or more
advanced equations, LibreOffice Math has everything you need to get the job done.
• One of the key features of LibreOffice Math is its intuitive interface, which makes it easy
to create and edit formulas
• LibreOffice and Microsoft Office are both office suites that offer a range of applications,
including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
• However, there are some key differences between the two.
• One major difference is that LibreOffice is open-source software, meaning that it is free
to use and can be modified and distributed by anyone.
• Microsoft Office, on the other hand, is proprietary software that requires a paid license.
• This makes LibreOffice a more cost-effective option for individuals and businesses alike.
• Another difference is compatibility. While Microsoft Office is the industry standard,
LibreOffice can still work with most Microsoft Office file formats.
• This means that users can easily share files with others who may be using Microsoft
Office without any issues.
• To get started with LibreOffice, the first step is to download and install the software.
• The official website offers a variety of versions for different operating systems, so be sure
to choose the one that's right for you.
• Once installed, take some time to explore the different components of the suite, such as
Writer, Calc, Impress, and Draw.
• If you're new to LibreOffice, there are plenty of resources available to help you get up to
speed.
• The documentation on the website is a great place to start, with detailed guides and
tutorials for each component of the suite.
• You can also find helpful tips and tricks on forums and blogs dedicated to LibreOffice
users. And if you run into any issues or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the
community for support.
In conclusion, LibreOffice is a powerful and versatile office suite that offers many benefits to
users. Its open-source nature means that it is constantly evolving and improving, and its
compatibility with Microsoft Office makes it an easy transition for those looking for an
alternative. Additionally, LibreOffice's cost savings, security features, and flexibility make it
an attractive option for individuals and businesses alike.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Further Reading:
1. KailashVaders, Bhavyesh Gandhi. "Open Source Technology Lami Publications Pvt Lud
2012 I Edition
2. FadiP. Ded and James A McHugh -Open Soune Technology and Policy Cambridge
universities Press 07