Abstract
This paper discusses free software and open source software, noting that free software actually refers to software providing specific kinds of freedom to users, while "open source software" means that the user is made privy to the code so he or she can change the software as well as use it. The writer maintains that much of the argument dates to 1984 and the publication of the "Gnu Manifesto," written by Richard Stallman.

From the Paper
"Software developers differ on the relative value of the terms "free software" or "open source software." The terms are not completely identical. Free software could be any software for which no charge is made, though it actually refers to software providing specific kinds of freedom to users, while "open source software" means that the user is made privy to the code so he or she can change the software as well as use it. By either name, the associated vision of software and users challenges the usual idea of copyright and intellectual property."

Tags:open, source, software

Abstract
This paper gives an analysis of the concept of a support service for people who use RFC's (Requests for Comments) or open source software. It further examines why they are vital to Internet commerce. The paper concludes with a look at deconstruction as a possibility for Open Support.

From the Paper
'Open and closed source software are vital to Internet commerce in terms of the network standards and software that can be developed to power the Internet marketplace. Requests for Comments or RFC's are documents used by the Network Working Group to introduce new methods, concepts and innovations about advances in the Internet technologies. An RFC is comprised of a series of documents or memoranda targeted for peer-to-peer review so other members of the Network Working Group can offer constructive criticism..."

Tags:computer, open source software, RFCs, network, Internet

Abstract
This research paper focuses on European Union (EU) government policy relating to market economies of open source software. The paper discusses the official position and current EU policies regarding open source software, examines a legal case study concerning open source software vs. proprietary software and looks at Brazil's policy regarding this subject. Additionally, the paper looks into EU intellectual property law and a new proposed software patent directive and how each will affect open source legality in the EU.

Table of Contents
Current EU Software Policy: Any Directives,
Regulations, White-papers and Official Documents
Detailing the Current Official Position of the European
Union on Software
Free and Open Source Software versus Proprietary
Software Legal Case Study -
How will E.U. Governments be Affected if They Follow
the Brazilian Example, and its Effect on E.U.
Intellectual Property Policy?
How will E.U. Intellectual Property Law and New
Proposed Software Patent Directive Affect Open
Source Legality in the EU?
Legal Cases that Set Precedents for Intellectual
Property Concern in Open Source Software Use
Conclusion and Summary

From the Paper
"The "Television without Frontiers Directive" focuses on the creation of necessary conditions to allowing television broadcasts free movement all across the EU region. Secondly "Communication" of 2004 clarifies the method by the Directive is applied in relation to the interactive techniques of advertising that are yet new." (Information Society and Media, 2005) Other issues are yet under review and are stated to have the capacity to result in amendments of the TVWF Directive or the new directives proposal by 2005 years end. Other EU policy framework is inclusive of regulations that "promote competition between infrastructure providers and service providers while ensuring access for user of networks and citizen's rights; measures on copyright and digital rights management; access to and use of public information, as specified under the Public Sector Information Directive; and eInclusion, ensuring that all Europeans can access the new generation of digital content and services." (Information Society and Media, 2005)"

Tags:debian, gnu/linux, distribution, available, modification, developers, collaboration, freely

Abstract
Open source software has recently emerged as the front runner for many industries as the primary method of code production, as it is widely predicted to provide more options for its users in a quicker, quality improved and cost effective format than the more traditional proprietary software. Linux, the dominant player in the market, is a considerable threat to the Microsoft operating system, which has successfully established itself in the global market. Beyond its commercial potential, open source software possesses a potential goldmine in the government sector. However, questions regarding security and privacy continue to plague government officials in their pursuits of this option. This paper provides an overview of open source software as well as proprietary software and their primary components. It provides an evaluation of government options in relation to the products available on the market and discusses the social construction of open source software versus the technological determinism of proprietary software. The paper includes colored graphs.

From the Paper
"The Linux operating system is the chief product that many new open source customers consider as their primary choice. Many IT experts find that Linux is more powerful when enthusiasm is brought into the picture (Zetlin 38). Therefore, learning the ins and outs of the system can take some time and may require some work beyond normal business hours. For this reason, training in Linux and other similar open source offerings should be a primary concern for IT professionals in order to improve its potential and to reduce the possibility of security flaws."

Tags:OSS, CD-ROMs, Darwin, product

Abstract
This paper explains what open software is, why it was organized, what its benefits are and how it can be used. Case studies are included.

From the Paper
"Open source is not a technology, rather a different way of thinking about and organizing the software development process. Open source software (OSS) development is more of a collaborative process that has benefited with the expansion of the Internet. Anyone with an Internet connection can now download source code available in the public domain, modify it and post the results back to the community. As opposed to this proprietary software development adheres to the principle of strict protection of intellectual property found in the publishing industry."

Tags:applications, fsf, gnu, gpl, linux, open, software, source

Abstract
This briefing evaluates the pros and cons of open-source software and provides a recommendation to management at the Sigma Corporation regarding open-source strategies. While Sigma has developed a sound information technology (IT) infrastructure and employs a highly skilled IT staff, increasing IT costs have caused the company to examine ways to reduce IT expenses without affecting the effectiveness of the IT program. It defines open-source whereby the product is distributed with the source code. There are risks associated with open-source. The process is not quite mature, so users assume some risk in using these products. Open-source comes with no warranties and no maintenance agreements. A more detailed summary of the pros and cons of open-source is found in this briefing. The paper concludes that open-source is a viable and wise option for Sigma and outlines a strategy for moving the company in that direction.

From the Paper
"The Sigma Corporation has been in the office supply business for over fifty years and has built a reputation of prompt service with low prices. The reputation for prompt service has been attributed to the company's computerized inventory system that automatically orders new materials from the manufacturer at specified intervals. The low prices are maintained by keeping company costs to a minimum while getting the job done. The CEO of Sigma, Sigmund Saveabuck, is always looking for ways to save costs in order to maintain a competitive advantage."

Tags:information, technology, IT, management

Abstract
This paper reviews, evaluates and discusses the emergence and use of open source solutions and standards. The paper reviews the importance, benefits and pitfalls of open source solutions and critically evaluates the future. The paper is written in a two-column format.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
The Wonder Years
The Market For OSS
The Public and Private Sectors
Open-Source-A-Me, The Enterprise Structure
Why Open Source Me? Pros, Cons and The Future
Benefits
The Future

From the Paper
"MySQL is the overall leader in Open Source databases with over 5 million active installations across the globe and is by the one of the most successful Open Source solutions."
"It is one of the few Open Source software solutions that are available under the dual-license model as it is available both for under GPL and commercial license. MaxDB, which has it's origins as a commercial DB software solution was developed as a result of an alliance between MySQL and SAP to form a market leading enterprise solution, which is capable of running high-end mission-critical applications."

Tags:open, source, standards, software, GNU, LINUX, Apache, UNIX, software

Abstract
This paper discusses the respective benefits of open and closed source software from a cost-effectiveness perspective for the RMIT University. The paper describes the background of the problem, a brief overview of open and closed source applications, and presents a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages. An analysis of the findings is followed by a summary of the research and recommendations for the university in the conclusion.

Introduction
Background and Overview
Open Source Applications
Closed Source Applications
Analysis
Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"Open source software can be purchased for little or no cost, and future upgrades are also obtainable free of charge (Wayner, 2000; Lopez, 2004). Rechtman points out that open-source applications such as Gnumeric, an Excel-like spreadsheet, or Ximian, a desktop organizer that combines features of Palm OS and Microsoft Outlook, cost virtually nothing to install. "In fact," he says, "they are freely available for download from the Internet" (p. 67). According to Kim, educators in particular stand to gain from open source alternatives. "More importantly," she adds, "they may also find a new and improved way to teach" (emphasis added) (p. 15). This was also the finding of Cowpland who reports that a partnership between Corel and three academic institutions in the Ottawa area resulted in the development of pilot programs using Corel LINUX OS and WordPerfect 8 for Linux: "While the project is just finishing its first year, administrators have noticed an increase in the desire of their students to continue pursuing computer technology in upper years. They anticipate rolling out the program on a potentially wider scale for next year" (p. 62)."

Tags:novell, nos, microsoft, operation, systems, microsoft, office, software, platform, lan

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of a product that can be found on the website www.openCD.org. The paper explores the website and products that it offers, and argues that it and other sites like it can have a potentially negative impact on the software industry. The paper states that the concept of open source software cannot be stopped because it is not doing anything illegal however, it opens the door for illegal activities in the quest to improve the programs. The paper concludes that open source software industry and sites such as OpenCD need to be regulated and monitored for the good of the computer industry and those who use it.

Outline:
Introduction
The Site

From the Paper
"For one to understand how the site can have a negative impact on the software industry one needs to have an understanding about the site and how it operates. OpenCD is a site that provides users with many different software options free of charge. Their site states that is holds a collection of high quality software that it will provide anyone interested free of charge. It refers to its products as open source software, which "harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in."

Tags:negative, financial, issue, illegal, activities, interfaces

Abstract
This paper examines how software configuration management (SCM) is an important discipline in professional software development and maintenance and how the importance of SCM has increased as programs have become more complex, long-lasting, and time critical. It aims to critically evaluate the evolution of SCM, as well as the obstacles and progress achieved by this particular segment of software engineering. The paper uses a column page layout.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Foundation Years of Software Configuration Management
Progress and Obstacles - SCM in the Past Decade
Process Support
Versioning and Release
Change Control
The Tools - Third Party and Open-Source
Transitions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The mid 90's paved the way for much better and more powerful SCM tools. Although much of them were still reliant on old methods, these tools had revved up their ability by nearly two folds in terms of automation from a mere cost effective in-house development. [2, 3] In the late 90's, the evolution of SCM in general was characterised mainly by technological issues, better understanding of the technology and experience acquired by the Software Engineering community towards the complexity of a complete SCM solution. On an Industry level SCM was seen largely as a mature, reliable and ideal technology for software development. "

Tags:quality, assurance, versioning, engineering