Pls see about OSS
Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is available in source code form for which the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under a software license that permits users to study, change, and improve the software. Open source licenses meet the requirements of the Open Source Definition. Some open source software is available within the public domain. Open source software is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner. Open-source software is the most prominent example of open-source development and often compared to (technically defined) user-generated content or (legally defined) open content movements.The term open-source software originated as part of a marketing campaign for free software. A report by Standish Group states that adoption of open-source software models has resulted in savings of about $60 billion per year to consumers
Examples of Open SourceSoftware
1] Apachee Server
2] Mozialla Firefox Browser,
3] KOHA Library Software
4] DSpace Library Software,
5] Green Stone Library Software.
Nothing is remaining to discuss about open source software. mr. akhter has very good explanation about OSS.
You can download more less all open source software, from SourceForge
Below provided link can find some open source and free software, which you can download.
Open source doesn't just mean access to the source code. The distribution terms of open-source software must comply with the following criteria:
1. Free Redistribution
The license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources. The license shall not require a royalty or other fee for such sale.
Rationale: By constraining the license to require free redistribution, we eliminate the temptation to throw away many long-term gains in order to make a few short-term sales dollars. If we didn't do this, there would be lots of pressure for cooperators to defect.
2. Source Code
The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in source code as well as compiled form. Where some form of a product is not distributed with source code, there must be a well-publicized means of obtaining the source code for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost preferably, downloading via the Internet without charge. The source code must be the preferred form in which a programmer would modify the program. Deliberately obfuscated source code is not allowed. Intermediate forms such as the output of a preprocessor or translator are not allowed.
Open Source Software (OSS) has following characteristics,
It is freely interchangeable.
Interchangeable with source code,
Freely modification of software,
It can be used for any purpose.
It has no exchange value.
So, Open Source Software is a result of social process. There is no scope of profit but there is a freely friendly atmosphere.
Ability to tailor to fit local needs :
The availability of the source code means that a user can modify and enhance the software to more closely fit its own needs .
No restriction on use :
There are no contractual restrictions on how the software is used .
Low cost :
There is no charge for the software itself. The major cost is local development. If the number of users is large, and they share their efforts, each user’s cost is reduced.
There is active current development under way.
At least the cataloging, circulation, patron access catalog modules, acquisitions and serials control should be available. It should be Integrated library system.
MARC is supported.
Current source code and documentation are available for downloading under the GNU General Public License
The product is currently in use in libraries.
Scalability
Adaptability and user friendly system.
Mr.Saurabh Nagariya
Open source software is available free of charges, and includes both the source code and the complied version. Developers who accept the open source concept believe that software is a common good that should be shared rather that sold or profit, and that it can best be adapted, improved and re-bugged by its users. To make this possible the users need access to the source code.