H/FOSS History and Philosophy

Overview

Introduction to the project selection process; Class discussion of H/FOSS history and philosophy.

Preparation and Readings

• Producing OSS: Introduction - Good history of the idea and movement. Written from the perspective of running a project, but what it has to say is also more broadly applicable. Touches on the value of: packaging/presentation; culture/community; history; FSF/GNU/Stallman; licensing; free vs open; OSI.

• Teaching OSS: Foreword (Sections 1.1-1.4, Use the Next link at the bottom of each page.) - Gets at many of the reasons that we are using H/FOSS in this class.

• Post questions for class discussion to the Moodle forum. Please, also comment on or respond to other’s questions as appropriate.

Supplemental Readings

• The Open Source Definition - Definition of Open Source from the Open Source Initiative (OSI).
• What is free software? - Definition of free software from the Free Software Foundation (FSF).
• The Cathedral and the Bazaar - A classic. The most widely read and cited article articulating the ideas behind open source software development. If you want to be well read on the topic you should read this one. Click “Next” at the bottom of each page.

Homework

• Ryan’s Tutorials - Linux Tutorial - In pairs, using your Ubuntu install, complete Tutorial Sections 1-12 (Click on the Blue “Tutorial Sections” button to see them). Keep a Slack live-log (create a new private channel e.g. “gb-yz-unix-tutorial”, invite your instructor and your partner). (Pairs)
• H/FOSS Project Exploration Activity I (Individual) - complete the first half of your project explorations. That is 2 for those pursuing H/FOSS projects or 1 for those pursuing Honors Research.
• Blog Post I - Write a reflective blog post on either H/FOSS History & Philosophy (today’s topic) or H/FOSS Communities (next week). See the syllabus for details about the posting. (Individual)