FOSS Central
Freedom & Open Source Software
Tools and resources
Introduction to Free & Open Source Software
When a piece of software is open-source, anyone can see its source code, propose new features or submit security fixes, and edit it to make their own version. Here's why this is interesting:
- If the creators of a project or a malicious person try to sneak in bad features to collect or misuse user data, people will be able to see it, and either correct it or spread the word.
- Because so many persons are watching the source code, big open-source projects are usually very secure. Do note there may be exceptions to that, especially with smaller project with a little community.
- Finally, because of their ideology, open-source projects will usually tend to listen and give a lot of freedom to their users. Since anyone can make their own version, open-source projects have a big incentive to please their community, which is why so many of them are actually community-driven.
In the end, open-source projects are an excellent way to get better products, defending their user's rights, privacy and digital freedom. While all open-source projects may not be perfect, they usually are a good guarantee of quality and security. Learn more
External resources
OpenSourceSoftwareDirectory.com
Comprehensive list of open source software for home users, buisness owners and system admins. Directory.FSF.org
Project of the Free Software Foundation to catalog useful free software running under free operating systems. LibreProjects.net
Directory of open-source web apps classified by purpose.
Droid-Break.info
Directory of free and open-source alternative Android apps.
Comprehensive list of open source software for home users, buisness owners and system admins. Directory.FSF.org
Project of the Free Software Foundation to catalog useful free software running under free operating systems. LibreProjects.net
Directory of open-source web apps classified by purpose.
Droid-Break.info
Directory of free and open-source alternative Android apps.