From 2ed6cbabccc0c09614f8c3c274a3baa95d679297 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Het Joshi Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2023 23:45:26 +0530 Subject: [PATCH] Create What is FOSS.md I feel like it's important to include articles about Free software in particular. So I want to start a category about FOSS! --- guides/FOSS/What is FOSS.md | 36 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 36 insertions(+) create mode 100644 guides/FOSS/What is FOSS.md diff --git a/guides/FOSS/What is FOSS.md b/guides/FOSS/What is FOSS.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..02d6634 --- /dev/null +++ b/guides/FOSS/What is FOSS.md @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ +# A Beginner's Guide to FOSS + +FOSS stands for "Free and Open-Source Software." It refers to software that is freely available to use, modify, and distribute. Here are some key points to keep in mind when getting started with FOSS: + +## What are the benefits of FOSS? +- **Cost:** FOSS is generally free to use and distribute, which can save you money compared to proprietary software. +- **Freedom:** With FOSS, you have the freedom to modify and distribute the software as you see fit. +- **Collaboration:** FOSS is often developed and maintained by a community of volunteers, which allows for collaboration and innovation. + +## The Four Freedoms of Free Software + +The Free Software Foundation (FSF) first articulated the Four Freedoms of free software in 1985. They are as follows: + +1. **The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose.** This means that you can use the software for any purpose, whether it be personal, commercial, or non-commercial. + +2. **The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your computing as you wish.** This means that you have the right to access and modify the source code of the software. + +3. **The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others.** This means that you can freely distribute copies of the software to others. + +4. **The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.** This means that you can distribute modified versions of the software to others, as long as you also provide the source code. + +It is worth noting that not all software that is free of cost is considered free software. The term free in free software refers to freedom not price. + +## How can I find FOSS? +- **Repositories:** Many FOSS projects are hosted on online repositories such as GitHub, GitLab, and SourceForge. +- **Search engines:** You can also search for FOSS using search engines such as Google and Bing. +- **FOSS directories:** There are also directories specifically for FOSS such as the Free Software Directory and OpenSource.com. + +## How can I contribute to FOSS? +- **Developing:** If you have programming skills, you can contribute to the development of a FOSS project. +- **Documentation:** You can also contribute by writing documentation or tutorials to help others learn how to use the software. +- **Translation:** Translate FOSS project documentation and interface to make it accessible to more people. +- **Financial support:** You can also support FOSS development by making donations to a project or supporting a FOSS developer. + +## Conclusion +FOSS can provide many benefits, including cost savings and the freedom to modify and distribute the software. With a little research, you can find FOSS that meets your needs and, if you're interested, you can also contribute to its development.