Why Consider Open Source Software
There are a number of great reasons to use open source software, ranging from the fact that such
software is totally free of license cost, that there are no restrictions in how often you can copy and
install the software and that you gain access to software technology your school would not
normally be able to afford. We list a few of these reasons here. By using Open Source software
you can:
1. Save money - all the software is totally free.
2. Save time on license administration - you can install it on as many PCs as you want.
3. Legally copy and distribute software as many times as you like - you can make copies of it for
colleagues.
4. Reduce your school's licensing liabilities - there is no possibility of piracy problems when you
use open source.
5. Save your students money - your students can take all the software home with them, to install
on their home PCs
6. Many open source applications are easy for Mac and Windows users to understand - there are
over 100,000 open source applications available, including almost all of the common desktop
productivity programs, so there is likely to be an application for most needs.
7. Upgrades are free and open source software generally has a very long life spans and is rarely
ever made obsolete. This helps ensure your data and experience with the software stays
meaningful for much longer,
8. Invest money elsewhere - the money you save for your school could be used to purchase new
hardware or for teacher professional development.
Open Source Victoria Page 4 of 77 The National Center for Open Source and Education
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