Technology Solutions: Free Alternatives to Expensive Commercial Products

Eddie Vega Department of Adolescence Education / Health

Introduction

The term “open-source” is synonymous with words such as, “free” and “”. True, “open-source” is linux-based. And “yes”, it is free. Linux-based products are designed originally for people who understand the concept of what makes Linux work. However, the producers of these products also want to gain momentum by providing both Windows and Mac versions of their “freeware” in hopes of making the public-at-large aware of alternatives to mainstream commercial applications.

Open-source has come a long way. Many of todays open-source operating systems provide technical support in some capacity. open-source applications such as the alternative to entitled, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) are supported by the open-source community. Therefore, when one looks up tutorials on how to use a specific application, most times one will find a long list of individualized sites that can satisfy a variety of needs.

Though the focus of this paper is to shed some light on open-source applications, one cannot do so properly without a small mention of the Linux operating system.

“Hi, I'm a Mac! I'm a PC! And I'm Linux?” - Some Linux Information

The names Bill Gates and Steve Jobs can be associated to Microsoft and Macintosh respectively, but who is Linus Torvalds? Originally from Finland, this graduate from the University of Helsinki, who now calls Silicon Valley home, is considered to be the father of Linux and a hero to many.

Linux, like Windows and Mac, is an operating system, or “o/s”. An operating system establishes an environment where one can have access to a multitude of tools in order to create/produce a product (i.e.: spreadsheets, presentations, word processed documents, graphics, check emails, listen to and web designs, just to name a few). Linux, unlike the mainstream giants, has a variety of operating systems to meet the needs of individuals with varying skill levels. Conversely, Windows provides users with several versions of its o/s with varying degrees of functionality and Mac provide its users with only one option in an operating system.

Some factors that set these operating systems apart are: 1)Linux is FREE, whereas Windows and Mac carry hefty price tags. 2) The code behind Linux itself is “open-source” and therefore can be modified and re- written (the reason behind why there are, quite literally, hundreds of various versions of Linux – each sporting a different name, look and feel). 3) A programmer with enough skill to redesign the internal coding of the operating system, which is open-source – meaning, no one individual owns it - can then turn around and make a profit. Companies such as Red Hat and Novell are currently making a profit selling their versions of the o/s as well as technical support. 4) Additional applications, such as browsers, office suites, games, graphic design , etc., can easily be allocated throughout the open-source community. On the commercial side, there is a price tag associated to every piece of software we use. However since Linux, by design is free, it is referred or associated to the world of open-source.

A full timeline of the History of Linux can be found online at: http://www.linux.org/info/linux_timeline.html

A brief biography for Linus Torvalds can also be found online at: http://www.linux.org/info/linus.html

324 Demystification

When one hears the phrase “open-source” or the word “Linux”, the immediate reactions are that it sounds complicated or that there's just too much programming involved. The purest form of Linux does require a solid understanding of computer programming. One of the reasons for this is that by using what is known as typed “command lines,” a user can gain direct access to a particular application without having to wait to locate the application, then for the “pretty” graphics to reveal the application, and finally for the application to open up in order to work. Although the ease of Linux and command lines may sound efficient, they pose certain challenges for individuals who want significantly more than what other operating systems can offer. For many people who are accustomed to working in a Windows or Mac environment, working in a graphic interface with point-and-click features makes the experience a sane one. The idea of having to type a command that will open some program similar to Word doesn't thrill many users. And, as if that weren't enough, a user would need to troubleshoot his/her command if an error is encountered.

The graphic interface, or Graphical User Interface (GUI), is vital in winning over users of traditional operating systems. Currently, this has become an explosive topic, but in a good way. More and more Linux-based operating systems now have a GUI for those who want to try Linux without the fear of the “command .” Such operating systems include, Mandriva, Knoppix, Fedora and the Ubuntu Family – Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu and Xubuntu. These o/s allow users to simply point-and-click to access any application. (And “yes”, there is the right- click for those Windows fans.)

Running a Linux o/s requires you to understand that the commercial or proprietary applications that would normally run on your Windows or Mac will not always run on Linux. (There is a way to do this for Windows applications, but details will not be given here simply because it is not foolproof and may cause more harm than good.) Perhaps more importantly, knowing what the alternative applications are to the commercial and proprietary products will help users to achieve a certain level of financial freedom.

Open-Source and Financial Freedom

As stated earlier, open-source applications are “freeware.” These programs are produced and maintained by people from all over the world who believe that no matter what an individual's economic status is, what country someone in, what level of education s/he may have or may not have – everyone is entitled to have access to technology. As a result, open-source is not solely 100% for Linux. There are open-source versions of applications available to both Windows and Mac.

The equivalent to (MS) is called, Open Office (OO). It is available for Linux, Windows and Mac. It's a free download from www.openoffice.org. Simply select the version for the appropriate o/s and download. Open Office contains equivalent applications to rival Microsoft. For example, OO Writer is MS Word; OO Impress is MS PowerPoint; OO Calc is MS Excel; OO Base is MS Access, and so on. Advantages to Open Office include: Microsoft Office compatibility; export to PDF almost instantly; creation of a SWF (ShockWave File) of a Presentation; files saved to earlier versions of Microsoft; files saved to WordPerfect; and many more. This article was created using Open Office Writer. Can any noticeable difference between this and a Microsoft Word document be detected?

For graphic design, the most popular commercial product on the is Adobe Photoshop. Version 10 (CS3), as of this writing, is now on the market. Adobe is now releasing new versions on a yearly basis. It is nearly impossible for anyone, organization, business or individual, to keep up with this technology in a cost effective manner. It even that much more difficult for non-profit organizations, small businesses, educational institutions, or students who either operate on a limited shoe-string budget or no budget at all to remain on the cutting edge of software like this. However, there is an open-source Photoshop equivalent called the GNU Image Manipulation Program, better known as GIMP – www..org. Like Open Office, it is available for Linux, Windows and Mac. At time of this article, GIMP is at version 2.2 and is about as powerful as Photoshop version 7. It has many of the same features, but like all new programs, it does take some time to get oriented to its interface.

325 If a user needed to build a website and could not find a current version of Microsoft FrontPage (Microsoft officially dropped FrontPage as of November 2006) and is not within budget, NVU is an open-source option – see www.nvu.org. There is also KompoZer – www.kompozer.org - which is built on the NVU interface and the programming code used to design the application itself. As with KompoZer, an advantage of open-source is that no one individual or organization owns the code behind the application. It can be modified and renamed and put back out onto the web as a new product or as an upgrade. Another advantage is that open-source applications are available in many languages. NVU or KompoZer is a WYSIWYG (What You See is What You Get) text editor as powerful as FrontPage 2000.

Overall, what would a package containing the latest Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Dreamweaver cost? Walk into any computer or office supply store and the prices range from the ludicrous to the absurd. For teachers, faculty, staff, and students, there are academic discounts from websites such as: www.academicsuperstore.com, www.journeyed.com, www.studica.com, just to name a few, but the problems begin when an institution or organization must go with the lowest bid on software from specific sites yet those prices are still over-the-top. To illustrate the open-source versus commercial costs of equivalent products, see the chart entitled “Cost of Commercial Applications vs. open-source Applications.” Whether an individual runs a P-12 classroom, or a corporate boardroom, open-source is making its way into the mainstream – and saving users money. Classrooms can now conduct courses that will keep students on the cutting edge. Companies can compete with the ever-changing digital techscape by providing high-caliber products and still remain within or below budget costs. Funds that would usually find themselves being spent on software can be utilized in other areas of an organization's infrastructure. Hence, financial freedom.

In this day and age, there comes a time when there will be a need to re-structure organizations, or downsize a company or make other sacrifices based on economic snapshots and projections. When the time comes to make decisions on upgrading existing software, the technology-using population raises a collective eyebrow and scratches their heads. Open-source can help during the transition period between software upgrades or may even substitute for the upgrade and become the permanent application of choice.

Where does Open-Source Technology fit in?

Name an industry and a need exists for open-source to fill. Regardless of budget limitations, open-source finds its market. In Hollywood, films such as Eragon, Ghost Rider, Spider-Man 3, the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and even the upcoming Transformers and Fantastic Four features have used 3D software to create some of the best larger-than-life scenes ever to fill the big screen. The game industry is currently one of the industries that is also experiencing a boom, with 3D graphics bringing a new level of realism to the small screen. So, where do designers and animators go to learn to use 3D technology? Well, schools, colleges, and professional development workshops to name a few, but these can be costly for both the student as well as the training facility. Open-source solutions can help. For instance, while Maya, an industry leading 3D animation software from AutoDesk (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=7635018), is by far the best and the most expensive - the cost is in the ballpark of $7,000.00, there are open-source alternatives. Enter – ! A powerful cross-platform suite of tools that allows for the creation of 3D content and offers playback. This means that there is a version for Windows, Mac and Linux. The best part of this is that it is all free to download from their website (see Blender – http://www.blender.org/). Even Hollywood films with their stellar-size budgets use open- source technology. In the case of Spider-Man 2, Blender was used to set-up the visuals (see http://www.blender.org/features-gallery/testimonials/animatics-for-motion-pictures/). Now more than ever do the industries around the world need talented individuals with 3D skills. Whether in films, video games, engineering, medical fields, corporate training, architecture, manufacturing, etc., staying on the cutting edge doesn't mean that current or up-and-coming technology professionals need to spend a lot of money on software products.

Problems Facing Academic Software

Academic software, because of its nature, is illegal to use outside of the educational environment. This software was merely intended to be used within the classroom setting. Although this software may not have any restrictions on what its capabilities are, the restrictions lie in how this software is used in producing content and for whom. If a programmer wanted to view the coding behind a piece of work, s/he may find the words “Academic

326 Version” embedded throughout the code. This can lead to some serious legal issues. Again, the solution, to this dilemma is open-source products.

The World at Large: Who uses Open-Source?

The industries are finding themselves facing down similar situations to the above statements. In an article published on the “Linux Insider” website, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is strongly considering switching to Linux and open-source technology rather than continue with Windows-based system.

(Original article: “FAA May Choose Linux over Vista” - http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/56196.html) (Similar story: “Can Google and Linux Topple Microsoft” - http://technewsworld.com/story/Xi5rS5HtkYtAtW/Can-Google-and-Linux-Topple-Microsoft.)

CEO Michel Dell of Dell computers, uses the Linux o/s, “Ubuntu” and is currently selling pre-installed Linux on certain model desktop and laptops. (Press Release from Dell: “Dell Unveils Three Consumer Systems Featuring Ubuntu 7.04”- http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/2007/2007_05_24_rr_000?=us&l=en&s=corp)

Pushing the boundaries of open-source technology, an independently produced animated film was created entirely in Blender, entitled, “Elephants Dream”. To download the [815mb] movie, visit, “Elephants Dream” website at: http://www.elephantsdream.org/ For a list of the open-source technology used in the production of this movie, please visit, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephants_dream These are just a few of the many cases studies surrounding open-source and various industries.

Summary

Although global industries push for the latest technology, even they occasionally feel the noose around their budgets. Open-source is an alternative to the high-priced applications being put out there by manufacturing giants. Linux is open-source, but open-source can be utilized on existing Windows and Macs. With vast open- source resources, it is now very possible for anyone trying to establish themselves in the digital world to do so without “breaking the bank”. Open-source is here. It's cross-platform. And most importantly, it's FREE!

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