Introduction

There are literally thousands of open source applications available and it can be difficult to know where to begin if you want to try some of them. This section will give an overview of the main ways in which you can obtain open source applications and will then look at some specific examples to show how you can install applications or alternative ways in which you can try them out.

Different types of application

The open source applications most suitable for education fall into three main types:

• Desktop applications – ie those that will run on your computer
• Web-based applications – ie those running via the internet
• Operating systems such as Linux, Ubuntu and Edubuntu – these are not discussed here as they require some technical knowledge; they are covered elsewhere

General concepts

Most open source software is supported by a community of developers (ranging from one person to a team of hundreds) and the way in which software is made available is broadly similar for all applications.

Most software will be available from its own Project website – for example Moodle is available from www.moodle.org and Open Office from www.openoffice.org (for more information on these and other applications see the Directory). Some projects do not have their own website and may have basic information on Sourceforge (see below).

The main projects discussed on this site have a number of key elements in common which can be found on their project websites:

• Supported by an active community – of those people developing and using the software
• Documentation on the software – which will outline what you need to do to obtain, install and use the software
• Forums providing support – often from the development team, but also from people using the software. The forums can be an excellent way of getting support and solutions to any questions you have about the software.

Where to obtain open source desktop applications

Open source software is unlike commercial software as you do not go online or to a shop and order a box containing a CD. Open source software is usually obtained by downloading it from a website. Many of the desktop applications are quick and easy to install, and this section gives you advice and information on where to obtain the software and how to download and install it.

Listed below are some of the sources from which open source software can be obtained.

The OpenDisc Project

The OpenDisc is a collection of some of the best and most popular open source applications. The Disc is available to download as an ISO file [definition] that can be burnt on a CD. It is then straightforward to install the software from the CD onto your computer. The file size is approximately 700MB so download will require a reasonably fast internet connection or will take a very long time.

The Open Disc contains a variety of software which will run on the Windows operating system, making it easy for you to try out the selected applications, including OpenOffice, Audacity, Firefox, Gimp and Inkscape.

In addition, there is the OpenEducationDisc with open source applications relevant for students aged 10 – 21.

Menu screen from OpenEducationDisc

With both discs you can click on the application logo to find out about the software, or click the install button to quickly install the software onto your computer.

Portable Apps

Another low risk way of trying out open source applications is with PortableApps http://portableapps.com/ . Portable Apps are Open Source applications that can be downloaded and installed on portable media (such as a USB flash drive or an external disc) so you don't have to install anything on your computer. The software includes applications such as Inkscape, Audacity, GIMP and OpenOffice.

From the download page http://portableapps.com/download select the suite to download.

Download page from PortableApps website

The instructions are on the site. The concept is that portable apps installs an Open Source menu program onto your USB flash drive from which you can then choose and add a wide range of programs to your key. The applications are installed on the USB flash drive and so any computer that has the drive inserted into a usb port effectively has the software instantly installed but not onto its hard drive. Take out the USB flash drive and the applications are uninstalled.

Installation wizard from PortableApps

The wizard will guide you through the installation of portable apps – and detailed instructions are on the website:

When you run portable apps you will see a full list of available applications.

PortableApps list of applications

 

To use launch one of the applications, click on the link and you will have the software running instantly.

OpenOffice Calc running on PortableApps

 As with all Open Source software it is perfectly legal to copy all or some of the applications to other USB flash drives. Every child in the school could have one to use at home and at school contributing to social inclusion and bridging the digital divide. Since all the applications move with the drive, you can use them on any computer without having to install anything and without leaving any code behind when you finish.

Sourceforge

Sourceforge (http://sourceforge.net/) is the repository for over 100,000 open source projects. The site is aimed at developers and more technical users and contains open source applications in various stages of development. For a novice user, the Sourceforge site can be somewhat intimidating, but if you are looking for a particular open source application, you are likely to find it there.

Obtaining open source software from project websites

Most of the open source projects referred to on this site will be supported by their own development and user community and will have a website dedicated to the project – for example Moodle has an extensive website www.moodle.org

These sites will provide a copy of the open source software for you to download. In addition, most sites will have:

• Information about the software, including a list of key features, so you can understand what the software can do for you
• A forum – where you can read information about using the software, and, if necessary, post questions seeking help for a problem
• Documentation on how to install and use the software
• Support options – this may be available free or some projects will charge for technical support. The best place to start is with the forums as you will often find someone has experienced the same issue and has posted the solution on the forum

Some sites may also have demonstrations of the software in action and may list books about using the software – many of the more popular open source projects (Moodle, Drupal, Gimp and OpenOffice for example) have manuals and other texts commercially published.

Moodle teaching techniques and OpenOffice for Dummies

 

You need to decide which version of the software to install – this will depend on your operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux; or your server configuration). You will also need to identify which is the latest stable version of the software as many projects make development versions (often called beta versions or release candidates) available for the community to test and these are usually not stable enough for general use.

Most software will be downloadable in the form of a zip file – which you will need to unzip. Open source applications to do this are available (http://www.7-zip.org/ ). For desktop applications, it is generally a case of following the steps in the install wizard and installation should only take a few moments.

Inkscape setup wizard

When it is complete you will be able to launch the application and start using it.

Trying out web applications

In order to develop and run your own web based open source application, you will need a server or hosting package [definitions]. However, there are ways in which you can try out some of these applications without having to set up your own server or hosting. The two main ways are:

• Using sandboxes
• Trying free, hosted versions of open source applications

Trying web applications in sandboxes or demo sites

A sandbox is an area where you are literally free to play with an application. Some open source project sites make these areas available. In addition there are companies who provide access to sandbox areas for people to use. You can often try out many of the features of the application within a sandbox – the only thing to be aware of is that anything you do within the area will probably be deleted after a short time – sandboxes are usually reset on a regular basis.

Examples:

There are areas to try out the functionality of Wikis such as Wikipedia and MediaWiki

Try editing a Wiki on the Wikipedia sandbox

Try out MediaWiki - based on the software that was originally written for Wikipedia

Some hosting companies provide areas that act as demonstrations for their services, for example Pteppic (who provide support and hosting for Moodle) have areas on their website where you can see how Moodle works. If you are considering using Moodle, you can ask them to set up a trial area for you to try out. http://www.pteppic.net/

The Moodle project website contains a demo course outlining the key Moodle features http://moodle.org/course/view.php?id=34

Opensourcecms is a website created specifically to give people the opportunity to try out selected web based open source applications. A wide variety of software can be tried out on the site, with the demo areas being wiped clean every two hours, so content you post will be deleted after a short time. This site gives you the chance to login as the administrator for the demo software so you can see how you can add content and get a good idea of what the software can do. Software available includes:

WordPress blogging software 

PHPBB – A bulletin board application

Moodle - VLE

Dokeos - e-learning and content management

Claroline - e-learning and e-working platform

Coppermine – image gallery

Limesurvey - online survey tool

Try out a free, hosted version of open source software

Some open source projects are available via free hosted applications. This generally means you can sign up for an account and can create, for example, your own blog. You may find that you are restricted to a limited file / storage space or have to pay for additional (premium) features, but will be able to try out the application before you decide whether to set up your own version on a server or hosting. You may decide the hosted version you sign up for is sufficient for your needs.

Examples

WordPress –is an open source blogging application. www.wordpress.org provides access to the software code that you can download and install on your own server or hosting package. www.wordpress.com is an associated website that allows you to create your own blog by registering for an account. The basic account is free – more advanced features and additional storage space can be purchased.

WordPress blog sign-up page

Edublogs http://edublogs.org/ is an education-focused, hosted version of WordPress that also allows you to sign up for a free blog. The website also provides access to 1000s of educational blogs and has good advice for teaching with blogs.

Edublogs home page