FLOSS4Schools/FAQs

Work in progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page.

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is free and open software?

See Wikipedia article

Why is it different from propietary software?

doesn't cost money to buy it
less of a footprint (i.e, you don't need expensive pc's to run it, less RAM, processor power)
global community of users / support
values-based
independent of fiscally biased assistance or opinion

What is the cost-savings?

no upfront purchase price
reduced maintenance cost
ease of use allows for users to become involved with the solutions therefore adding extra value from participation

How is it measured?

Take cost-savings per school and multiply it times # of schools in a district over annual basis

-License fee paid for proprietary software that is then sent to corporation headquarters

-Power consumption from using terminal servers requiring less electricity for each terminal

-Landfill, recycling and ewaste is reduced by extending the life of fully supported computers

-Donated hardware to schools from institutions or corporations that can then be refurbished with Free software

Unmeasurable from a monetary value

freedom for users
independence for schools to make informed decisions
openness allows for greater community involvement in educational outcomes and direction