Climb up with Open source software

Tiken Salam *

Open source software market to hit $22 Billion by 2010.Wow!!! So, why not we make ourselves a part of this market? All of us who have the slightest knowledge of computer software are well aware of Open source software. But have we actually tried to get the best out of it, ever? Yes! We do use open source software very much and do appreciate the effort put in by those involved in developing it.

How about you! are you one of it? How about software named with after you or someone/ something very dear to you? Parent, siblings, friends, Girlfriends, school/college etc..? And I do promise you will feel on top of the world when you have developed your own software.

Developing software is not rocket science. All it need is a combination of sheer dedication, hard-work and enthusiasm. Federation of Open Source Software (FOSS) has made all these things (developing software) a lot easier for every human who are open source enthusiast. Because of FOSS, it is like – 'you named it and you got it' (referring to Software components).

Linux is the biggest and most successful open source software. Where and how do I start? Grab a Linux operating system for your PC and make it your playground. But why Linux? As I said, you named it and you got it. You will have almost everything that you need to develop your software with the installation of Linux. Most of the Programming language compilers, tools, software, etc., comes with your Linux operating system. And from here onwards you can start your journey as open source software developer.

Now, how does open source software makes it easier for us? Every/Most open source software comes with the source code and manual/documentation/tutorials on how to use it and how it is developed (internal workings of the software). Here it is! You got the source program in your hand and you are free to use it whichever way you want. You can change the name of the software into your name, modify the looks and make it work the way you want. Now you are ready to be a real open source developer.

Many of the popular open source software (for e.g. Firefox, Anjuta, GCC, Gmplayer etc) have their own mailing lists where users/developers discuss about software usage and developments. You can post your own queries on how to use the software, how you can change/enhance the software etc. It's a good platform to start off. Also there are many groups you can join and be part of it namely Linux-Manipur yahoogroups where like-minded people share their knowledge, expertise, understanding and recent developments and discoveries.

It's not only about proving you computer skills but it's the feeling of being recognized by your peers and others. It's the feeling of pride when we saw our own students/professionals achieving greater heights. How would you feel when an unknown person from another corner of the world mailed you appreciating your effort and showing keen interest to be part of your software development?

Anjuta IDE – is an open source software. How is this related to us? Yes! The founder is one of our own. It's a different kind of feeling when you see the founder mentioning his home location as "Manipur, India" in one of his software's manual document.

tikC compiler - An open source software. It's my own. I have the pride of achieving new heights when students from Japan/US wrote to me expressing their desire to be part of my software.

So why not we take up our own stand and make a difference. A difference from where there's no turning back in life.

Come and join the world of Free and Open Source Software - FOSS 2009, on 5th of July 2009 at Don Bosco School, Chingmeirong from 9:30 AM onwards. The day will be marked with sharing of knowledge about Free and Open Source Software, IT Talent Search and many other related activities like IT competition, Quiz, Technical interactions, Workshops, Linux Installation demos etc. Interested students who have not taken the registration form for the event can still come and participate as there will be spot entry as well.

** e-pao: This article was written before the FOSS 2009 event on 5th July. We regret that this was webcasted after the said event.