From the Internet's infrastructure to operating systems like GNU/Linux, the open source movement comprises some of the greatest accomplishments in computing over the past quarter century. Its story embraces technological advances, unprecedented global collaboration, and remarkable tools for facilitating distributed development. The evolution of the Internet enabled an enormous expansion of open development, allowing developers to exchange information and ideas without regard to constraints of space, time, or national boundary. The movement has had widespread impact on education and government, as well as historic cultural and commercial repercussions. Part I discusses key open source applications, platforms, and technologies used in open development. Part II explores social issues ranging from demographics and psychology to legal and economic matters. Part III discusses the Free Software Foundation, open source in the public sector (government and education), and future prospects.
'Provide[s] a well laid out review of the open source movement, including its technologies, policies, and impact and implications. … Overall, this book ties together the many interlocking pieces within the development and history of the open source movement.'
A. Hollister Source: CHOICE
'The authors lay out the issues around a variety of open source topics in a clear, accessible prose.'
Michele Tepper Source: Resources
'… A thorough effort … One of the most rigorous treatments of the social, legal and economic aspects of open source I have come across. I found the language used in the book accessible and inviting to readers from a range of backgrounds, both technical and non-technical. I recommend this book for anyone interested in open source and ideal for readers new to it.'
Source: The British Computer Society
'This book, is a recommended as a comprehensive introduction to the free software/open source ecosystem.'
Andrew Katz Source: Magazine of the Society for Computers and Law
'This book should be useful to anyone using open source software technology or defining policies for it.'
Source: StickyMinds.com Books Guide
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