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What is open source?

The term "open source" refers to software that can be freely redistributed, analysed and modified by anyone. Key characteristics of open source software include:

  • Free: The software doesn't cost anything to obtain – although there are costs involved in configuring and maintaining it, just like with other software;
  • Open: Because the software code is open and readable by anyone, it also means that the software can be modified by anyone with programming skills ... allowing for the translation of software into local languages or the addition of features needed by a particular group;
  • Collaborative: Open source software draws its strength from the fact that people who improve, modify or customise programs must give it back to the open source community so others can benefit from their work.

How does a piece of software become open source? The people who created it decided to release it under a license such as the General Public License (GPL) that meets the criteria of the "open source definition" outlined above.

It is often said that open source licensing is "viral" because people who modify a piece of software must release their modifications under the same open, free and collaborative conditions of the original software.i Open source: the electronic equivalent of generic drugs Like the generic drugs that have transformed health care provision in the South, open source software is royalty and license free, and is therefore substantially cheaper to acquire than branded alternatives.

The reason for this is that open source software is developed by volunteer collectives who are not seeking to profit from its sale. In addition, just as the recipe for generic drugs is made public, so the source code or inner workings of open source software is accessible to the user. Any qualified person can see exactly how the software works and can easily make changes to the functionality.

 NGOCC
Project Host Organisation.
NGOCC was established in 1985 and works to facilitate networking; nationally and internationally for the women's movement.

 Rescue Mission Zambia
Project management Organisation.
Rescue Mission Zambia (RMZ) works to empower children and youth, especially those in rural areas or disadvantaged and venerable youth in urban areas.

OSISA
Project funding Organisation.
OSISA works in the SADC region providing support for projects that are both national and regional in scope.

Ungana-Afrika
Project Promoter.
Ungana-Afrika provides technology support, and helps others initiate technology support programs, within the development community of Southern Africa.