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"Because open source software features open code, more programmers are able to view the code, create new functionality, and fix bugs.  This follows the same natural way that science has developed over time." – Taoism of Open Source; Chen Nan Yang; September 29, 2007.

Free Open Source Software (FOSS), sometimes also called just Open Source or Free Software, is software that is licensed to be free to use, modify, and distribute.  Most FOSS licenses also include a kind of legal Golden Rule that requires any changes, such as fixes and enhancements, to be released under the same license.  This creates the all important trust in developers and users that generates large, sustainable communities that continue to grow the software capability over time [1].

FOSS has been getting steadily better for several decades now.  It provides more capability, security, and sustainability than commercial software at much less cost, it runs much of the Internet, and is increasingly the first software option for individuals and organizations alike.  More information can be found in the following sections.  (Please sign up for an account and add more info!)

Software Applications System Games

Collections Primary Sources Secondary Sources Directories

Information History Organizations Licenses People

Other info can be found at the following pages.

• FOSS Philosophy – (Russian translation)
• The Open Source Way
• Style Guide

Commercial Open Source Software (COSS) can contain Free Open Source Software components, however limits availability of key functionality to closed proprietary software, and therefore is discussed only on the COSS page.