OPEN SOURCE TOOLS

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO OPEN SOURCES
what is an open source tool?
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.
Following are few examples:
 GNU/Linux
 Mozilla Firefox
 VLC media player
 GIMP
 Android operating system
 Apache web server
 LibreOffice
 jQuery
https://blog.digitalogy.co/top-open-source-software-examples
By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
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.

• Some examples of closed source software are:

• Skype,
• Google earth,
• Java,
• Adobe Flash,
• Adobe Reader,
• Microsoft office,
• Microsoft Windows,
• WinRAR,
• mac OS,

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

HISTORY

• In the beginning, all software was free

• in the 1960s ,when IBM and others sold the first large-scale computers, these
machines came with software which was free.
• This software could be freely shared among users,
• The software came written in a programming language (source code
available), and it could be improved and modified.
• Manufacturers were happy that people were writing software that made their
machines useful.
• Then proprietary software dominated the software landscape as manufacturers
removed access to the source code.
• IBM and others realized that most users couldn’t or didn’t want to “fix” their
own software and
• There was money to be made in leasing or licensing software.

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

• By the mid-1970s almost all software was proprietary
• “Proprietary software is software that is owned by an individual or a
company (usually the one that developed it). There are almost always
major restrictions on its use, and its source code is almost always kept
secret.” users were not allowed to redistribute it,
(1)

• source code is not available

• users cannot modify the programs.
• Software is an additional product that was for sale
• In 1980 US copyright law was modified to include software (1)

Adapted from http://eu.conecta.it/paper/brief_history_open_source.html

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

• In late 1970s and early 1980s, two different groups started what
became known as the open source software movement:
• 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.” (1)
• 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.

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

• 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 (1)
• 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

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

• 1991-1992, the open source world improved
• In California, Bill Jolitz implementing a version of BSD Unix free of AT &
T’s copyright.
• The work was covered by the BSD license making it completely free.
• It included other free software GNU licenses
• Also during 1991-1992
• In Finland, Linus Torvalds, a Finnish computer science student, was
implementing the first versions of Linux.
• Other people joined to collaboration to create the GNU/Linux operating
system.
• By 1993, both GNU/Linux and BSD Unix were free stable operating
environments.
• Both continue to evolve

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

1.2 NEED OF OPEN SOURCES
1.Transparency: Open source software provides transparency in its development process. The source code is openly available,
allowing anyone to inspect, review, and modify it. This transparency promotes trust and security as potential vulnerabilities or
backdoors can be identified and fixed by a global community of developers.

2.Collaboration: Open source software encourages collaboration among developers worldwide. Developers from diverse
backgrounds can contribute their skills and expertise to improve the software. This collaborative approach often leads to faster
innovation, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.

3.Cost-effective: Open source software is typically free to use, which eliminates licensing costs. This affordability makes it an
attractive option, especially for individuals, small businesses, and organizations with limited budgets. Furthermore, open source
software can be customized and tailored to specific needs without incurring additional expenses.

4.Flexibility and customization: Open source software offers the flexibility to modify and customize the code according to
specific requirements. This level of customization allows organizations to adapt the software to fit their workflows, integrate it
with existing systems, or extend its functionality. Developers can modify the source code to add features, fix bugs, or optimize
performance.

5.Avoiding vendor lock-in: Open source software reduces the risk of vendor lock-in, where users become dependent on a
specific vendor's proprietary software. With open source alternatives, users are not tied to a particular vendor and have the
freedom to switch between different solutions without significant barriers.

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

6. Community support: Open source software often has vibrant communities surrounding them. These
communities provide support through forums, documentation, and online resources. Users can seek help,
ask questions, and share knowledge, ensuring that assistance is available even without formal customer
support.

7. Rapid innovation: Open source software fosters innovation by encouraging developers to build upon
existing solutions. Developers can leverage the work done by others, enabling them to focus on creating
new features or solving unique challenges rather than reinventing the wheel. This collaborative
environment promotes the sharing of ideas and expertise, leading to rapid innovation cycles.

8. Long-term sustainability: Open source software tends to have better long-term sustainability compared
to proprietary software. Even if the original developer or organization behind the software discontinues
support, the open source nature allows others to step in and continue its development, ensuring its
longevity.

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

1.3 ADVANTAGES OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
Cost: Open source software is generally free, which means organizations can use it without
any licensing fees.
Customization: Since the source code is available, developers can modify and customize the
software to meet specific requirements.
Community Support: Open source software has a large community of users who contribute to
documentation, bug fixes, and improvements.
Security: With open source software, security vulnerabilities can be detected and fixed quickly
by the community.
Transparency: Since the source code is open, users can see how the software works and what
data it collects.
Collaboration and innovation: Global collaboration and contributions to the creation of
software projects are made possible by open source, leading to faster innovation and the
creation of more advanced and reliable software.

The creation of the Linux operating system is a prime illustration of how

open source promotes cooperation and innovation. Linus Torvalds founded the open-source
Linux project in 1991. It is one of the most popular open-source projects in history and is
widely used in servers, smartphones and other devices today.
By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
1.4 Principles of the Open Source

Transparency: Transparency is another key principle of open source software. The source code is
available for anyone to view, so anyone can see how the software works and how it is being
developed. This transparency helps to build trust between users and developers.

Collaboration: Open source software is a collaborative effort, with developers from all over the world
contributing to the code. This collaboration allows for rapid innovation and helps to ensure that the
software is of high quality.

Release early and often: Rapid prototypes can lead to rapid discoveries. An iterative approach leads
to better solutions faster. When you're free to experiment, you can look at problems in new ways and
seek answers in new places. You can learn by doing.

Freedom: Freedom is another important principle of open source software. Users are free to use the
software for any purpose, and to modify it to suit their needs. This freedom allows users to create
custom solutions that fit their specific needs.

Community: Communities form when different people unite around a common purpose. Shared
values guide decision making, and community goals supersede individual interests and agendas.

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

1.5 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. By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
5.Version control and collaboration tools: Open source software projects commonly
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
By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
governance models to guide decision-making processes within the
1.5 FOSS (Free and Open Source Software)

FOSS stands for Free and Open Source Software. It refers to software that is freely available
for use, modification, and distribution, and whose source code is openly accessible. FOSS
embodies the principles of openness, collaboration, and user freedom. 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 Byfreedom promotes
INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM the widespread availability and
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: FOSSBytends
INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
to have better long-term sustainability
FOSS Examples

● Linux (operating system)

● KDE, GNOME, Xfce (desktop environments)
● Android (phone operating system/environment)
● Apache (web server)
● MySQL, PostgreSQL (DBMS's/servers)
● Perl, PHP, Python (scripting languages)
● OpenOffice (office software suite)
● GCC (GNU compiler collection)
• GNU toolchain: Autoconf, make, etc.
● Git, Subversion, CVS (version control systems)
● OpenSSH (SSH server)
● Sendmail, Postfix (email transport software)
● Octave (GNU Matlab clone)
● GIMP (image manipulation a la Photoshop)
● Wordpress (blogging)
● Drupal (content management system)

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

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. By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
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,Bytrack changes,
INDUMATHI and manage projects.
, SVDC , K R PURAM
1.6 COPYRIGHTS, PATENTS, LICENSES, AND CONTRACTS:

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.

1. 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.

2. 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).

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

3. 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.

4. 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.

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

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:
1. Give credit to the original authors when using or sharing FOSS.
2. Understand which licenses are compatible with each other to avoid
conflicts.
2.Patents in FOSS:
1. Be aware of potential patent infringement when using FOSS.
2. Some organizations acquire patents to protect the FOSS community from
patent lawsuits.
3.Contracts in FOSS:
1. Contributors may need to sign agreements to clarify ownership and
licensing terms.
2. Some FOSS projects offer dual licensing options for commercial use.
4.Licenses in FOSS:
1. Follow the rules of FOSS licenses you use, such as giving proper attribution.
2. 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
By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
complications.
1.7 APPLICATIONS 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.
By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
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.

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM

1.8 OPEN SOURCE OPERATING SYSTEMS

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.

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 ofByopen-source software.
INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM 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. By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
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
By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM
Long-Term Support (LTS) versions. These LTS releases are supported with security
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.

By INDUMATHI , SVDC , K R PURAM