About Free Open Source Software (FOSS) Month

DESCRIPTION:

Free and Open Source Software Month (FOSS February) was initiated in 2017 by Onyx Point, Inc. to create awareness and celebrate the principles of open source software. February marks founding the Open Source Initiative (OSI) in 1998. FOSS aims to promote open-source methods, create a shared platform for the open-source community, and dispel common misconceptions about open-source software. Activities during the month include webinars, hackathons, blog articles, and social media engagement to highlight the benefits and initiatives of open-source projects​​.

The concept of open-source software predates the term to the early days of computing. One of the first examples of freely distributed and shared software embodying open-source principles was the A-2 system, developed by a team led by Dr. Grace Hopper in the early 1950s. This software was provided at no cost and encouraged users to share improvements. However, as it's known today, the formal open-source movement started much later, with the term "open-source software" being coined only in the late 1990s.

OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE IS EVERYWHERE

The most common types of open-source software used daily by many people include:

Operating Systems: Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora are widely used in various environments.

Web Browsers: Mozilla Firefox is an open-source browser popular for its customization and privacy features.

Office Suites: LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice offer alternatives to proprietary office suites with similar functionalities for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Media Players: VLC Media Player is renowned for its ability to play a wide range of media formats.

Graphic Design Tools: GIMP and Inkscape are used for image editing and vector graphics, respectively.

Web Servers: Apache and NGINX host websites.

Database Management: MySQL and PostgreSQL complete database management tasks.

Programming Tools: Git, a version control system, is essential for developers in managing source code changes.

These software types are integral to various personal and professional computing tasks, demonstrating the versatility and importance of open-source software in everyday technology use.

Free and Open Source Software Month is an opportunity to explore open-source software options and appreciate the freedom these programs provide.