CLSC555 IS Webliography

CLSC 555 INFORMATION SYSTEMS WEBLIOGRAPHY: Open Source Software
by
Kristi Finefield

| General |Software (Application and OS) | Programming & Development |

General
- Open Source Initiative (OSI)
  Produced by the Open Source Initiative
  The Open Source Initiative is a non-profit corporation devoted to the promotion of open source software. One of its primary functions is promoting the Open Source Definition, which offers the guidelines to be used when defining a piece of software as open source. This site is refreshingly free of bias, as it is not promoting any one product, but the concept of open source software and its benefits. Too many unorganized links on the main page detract from the overall message.
- Open Source Software Law Blog on Cyberspaces.org
  Produced by Rod Dixon, J.D., LL.M.
  This site is a weblog covering legal issues as they pertain to Open Source Software. As always with blogs, it is important to consider the source and use a critical eye. This blog seems to be full of serious content, with posts which link to articles relevant to open source software and the law.
- OSDir.com
  Produced by OSDir.com
  This site offers vast numbers of links to articles concerning open source software. Much of the content is helpful and thorough. However, with so much information in one place, the user can feel unsure which content to trust as well as overwhelmed by the sheer number of articles available.
Software (Application and OS)
- Mozilla
  Produced by The Mozilla Organization
  This site serves as the hub for all Mozilla project software, including various open source web and e-mail applications. Software development tools and a community of users are two of the strengths of the site. In general, there are no weaknesses, as it is an extremely well-designed site with complete and organized content.
- Koha - Open Source Library System
  Produced by the Horowhenua Library Trust and Katipo Communications Ltd.
  Koha is the world’s first open source integrated library system, according to this site. The software and support are available through this site, and the opportunity to ‘test drive’ the system before downloading is an excellent feature. The content is written in a very casual manner, which could make some users concerned about the seriousness of the project.
- The GIMP
  Produced by The GIMP Team
  The GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program, according to this, the official site. It is an open source software application for working with images and graphics. The site offers downloads and support, providing a one-stop spot for GIMP users. Screenshots of the program are a good way to preview before purchase. The GIMP site is well-designed, with most needed information found without excessive scrolling.
- Apache
  Produced by the Apache Software Foundation
  This site offers support for many different open source software projects in the Apache community, with the most prominent being the HTTP server, Apache. It is a very clearly organized site, with the products featured prominently in a left sidebar. Each product links to its own site, but this site serves as an effective starting point. The only weakness is the huge amount of information available on the site, which can prove overwhelming at first.
- Open Source Software in Java
  No source information provided.
  A site containing summaries and links to open source programs written in Java. The summaries are concise and there are generally links to additional information on each program. Written for a person very familiar with software and Java terminology, the language can be challenging for the layperson.
- OpenOffice.org
  Sponsored by Sun Microsystems, Inc.
  OpenOffice.org is an open source office suite, offering applications comparable to those in Microsoft Office, for example. This site offers downloads and support for these applications. A weakness of sorts is the unusual fact that this open source software is ‘sponsored’ by a for-profit corporation, Sun Microsystems. Sun sells a product called StarOffice, which is based on this open source product. Articles included on the site tend to not include outside links, so some bias may be present.
- MySQL
  Produced by MySQL AB
  MySQL provides open source database technology. Access to and support for the product’s users are found on this site. Professional content and clear organization helps the user find information quickly, despite the volume. A weakness is that articles and critique of MySQL are buried beneath articles written by individuals linked with the site, so some bias is present.
- Linux.org
  Produced by Linux Online
  Linux.org provides excellent resources for people using Linux as their operating system. It is a starting point for those using Linux and serves as an advocate for expanded use of Linux. The links to articles about Linux and companies using it are a definite strength of the site. The design of the main page could be more streamlined and cohesive.
- Red Hat
  Produced by Red Hat, Inc.
  Red Hat is a top provider of Linux and open source software. Unlike many other sites involving open source software, Red Hat is a company which distributes the software, much like a for-profit company like Microsoft. Breaking with open source tradition, Red Hat offers subscription service for its open source software, thereby offering more traditional support and upgrade services. Clearly, since Red Hat is not just advocating open source, but asking you to ‘buy’ it from them, the site is more about selling than just informing.
Programming & Development
- Tigris.org
  Produced by CollabNet, Inc.
  A site designed for software engineering professionals. By providing information resources, support and hosting open source software development projects, Tigris.org hopes to foster and advance open source software development. The site can be difficult for a layperson not heavily involved in software development to understand.
- OSTG - Open Source Technology Group
  Produced by VA Software Corporation
  This site provides links to a network of sites geared towards IT personnel and development professionals using open source software. These sites include downloads, links, support and forums designed to help those involved in software and systems decisions make those decisions. As is often the case, the quantity of material is both a weakness and a strength, as it can be overwhelming but the bulk of it is high quality and professionally written and researched.
- PHP
  Produced by The PHP Group
  PHP is an open source programming language used in web development, and is comparable to Java and other object-oriented languages. This site offers many resources on PHP and its uses, including downloads, support and additional links. The site needs to be streamlined, as two sidebars of information and many links leave the user lost at times while navigating.