Free and Open Source - The Sustainable Software

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Application ID: 000316
This project is available.
Project Description
Project Title
Free and Open Source - The Sustainable Software
What is the central research question you want answered?
What are the objectives of your project?
What are the practical benefits of using free and open source software in public institutions such as schools and municipalities? How can non-profits and small businesses benefit from free and open source software?

Research and evaluate the experience of organisations that have switched to free and open source software. What are some examples of organisations and institutions that have implemented it? How have they made the switch, in practical terms, and what can we learn from their experiences?
Project Type
Computer Related     
Creative     
Formal Research     
 Organizational Development     
Survey     
Other  
Size of Project (Number of pages, minutes, cm, etc.)
Approx. 20 pages, at the discretion of student
Project Description (Use this space to further elaborate on the project)
Using Linux and other forms of free and open source software confers considerable economic advantages to organisations. Hardware upgrading is delayed, licensing fees are nothing or a pittance. Software updates are immediately available online. Linux computers do not get crippled by viruses, and do not require virus protection. Due to recent developments in the user-friendliness of Linux, it has become a practical alternative for public institutions and competative organisations alike. Retraining is a cost-effective alternative to proprietary upgrades. Some have described their experiences and can be used as examples for others, such as at www.ltsp.org
How do you plan to use the results of this project?
The information from this study will help our organisation educate the public on the practicality of free and open source software. Due to developments in the user-friendliness of Linux, like Ubuntu, we recommend municipalities, schools and other cost-conscious organisations switch operating systems, or at least use some free and open source software. This study will offer hard data to policy makers and organisations of the direct economic benefits and viability of sustainable software, while referring to the experiences of their peers.
What larger goal is served by undertaking this project?
Proprietary software and hardware employ tactics of planned obsolescence. This increases the annual volume of e-waste and toxic materials that have to be processed. It also accelerates the consumption of new items and extraction of virgin materials. Linux and other forms of free and open source software allow computers to be used longer, delaying upgrades. It is community software that has distinct practical and sustainability advantages. Some progressive institutions and municipalities have begun to explore their options, while others are carried by momentum to continue upgrading as they have in the past. Contributing to this behaviour are the vast resources directed at the advertising and PR campaigns promoting proprietary software. However, the prohibitive fees associated with a Vista upgrade, both hardware and software, may be enough to cause organisations to reconsider. Switching to an operating system like Linux would enable them to get on a different path, with paradigms of resource conservation, interdependence, and superior programming. Naturally, institutions tend to be fiscally conservative; the economic benefits of Linux should be made apparent to them, to enable informed decisions.
The Organization
Organization Name
Free Geek Community Technology Centre
What community do you represent or work with?
We bring many communities together, including the economically disadvantaged, artists, technocrats, community activists, business people, educators, new Canadians, retirees, programmers, Linux advocates, environmentalists, students, and of course, computer geeks.
What is your organization/group's goal or mandate?
We provide a place for people to share technology and knowledge, and to work together building healthier, more empowered communities.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Free Geek is a not for profit community organisation that recycles used technology to provide computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those in need, in exchange for community service.

More information on our principles can be viewed online at http://freegeekvancouver.org/en/computer_recycling_principles
Are you a registered not-for-profit?
Yes
Contact Information
Contact Person
Ifny Lachance
  
Position
Director
Mailing Address
117 East 2nd Ave.
Vancouver BC V5T 1B4
Telephone
604-879-4335
Fax
 
Email
ifny@freegeekvancouver.org
  
Alternate Telephone
 
Alternate Fax
 
Alternate Email
 
Project Plan of Action
Duration of Project
Smaller (One semester)
If you know the duration more specifically, please indicate here
 
What are the specific deliverables that you expect of the student?
Become familiar with free and open source software, including Linux. Acquire an understanding of associated terminology and basic history, as well as unique advantages. Acquire basic understanding of computer life-cycle and e-waste issues. including planned obsolescence and 'bloat'. Research costs involved in retraining for Linux vs. hardware/proprietary software upgrades. Research and evaluate the experience of organisations that have switched to free and open source software.
Estimated time commitment per week
4 hours
Liaison
Liaison Name
Ifny Lachance
  
Liaison Position
Director
Liason Contact Info (If different from above)
 
How much time per week will the
liaison be available to the project?
4 hours
How will the liaison provide direction and support to the project?
She will assist in explaining the project, and can suggest sources, workshops and community resources, as well as provide regular feedback. Our facility, including our LTSP computer lab and workshops, will be available for research and exploration of free & open software. She will facilitate observation of local community organisations already using free and open source software.
Student Researcher
Student area of study/experience
Could include computing (not required), economics or business, community organisations
Student skills/attributes
Analytical, insightful, attentive to detail, and meticulous
Student related interests
Could include computing/Internet, politics, environment/sustainability, accounting, communications

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