Yeppoon

OpenSource Development

OpenSource Logo The objective of the Centre for OpenSource Development is to promote the use of open source software within the University and the wider community. CQU is committed to encouraging students, staff and professionals to engage in the development of open source software for the benefit of all.

Whether you are are still at school, studying at university, working in a profession or just using the Internet for fun, open source software will have an impact on your daily lives. Many people are already using open source software and do not know it. Many companies, governments, educational institutions, etc are adopting open source solutions to reduce their Total Cost of Ownership commitments.

In an open source environment, developers provide software under a variety of licenses, most of which are free. After releasing software, the community who uses the software has a lot of input into further developments, by suggesting improvements back to the developers and even becoming part of the team to produce enhancements. The motivation behind developing open source software varies: some programmers promote their programming skills by distributing software, others do it as a hobby. Many firms develop basic software packages, and then 'sell' their expertise in customising, maintaining and training others who use their systems.

If you have any further questions, please email us.

Current Projects in the Centre

ADIOS is a live CD/DVD for teaching Linux system administration, network management and security. Several other themed CDs are available for Education, Business, Software Development and Engineering.
OSWINS DVD is a sample collection of open source software for Windows, catalogued by the Key Learning Areas used in Queensland Schools and includes hypertext links to more free and open source tools.
HelpMeSpeak is an open source, web-based assistive communication software to aid people with speech disabilities. HelpMeRead is a web-based reading tool to aid people learn to read picture books.
LARK Linux Administrator's Resource Kit is a catalogue of Linux information to help adminstrators search documentation so that they can configure system services and setup security and network management tools.

Our staff are currently involved in the following projects:

Help Wanted!

     Are you interested in developing Open Source software ?

     We are currently looking for undergraduate and postgraduate students
     to work on projects in the Centre. If you are interested, please email
     n.richter@cqu.edu.au to discuss potential projects.

     To see some of our current projects, check out the Projects page.

For more information write to the Director of the Centre for OpenSource Development at CQU

This page was written by Neville Richter last modified on the 25 October 2007