GreenNet is entirely committed to the principles of free software development; we encourage our users to use free software where and when possible. GreenNet members are encouraged to not only use free software, but to improve it, and pass it on.
GreenNet and Open Source
In fact all of our 20+ servers run on a free Open Source Linux distribution called Debian; one of the most widely acclaimed, technologically advanced, and well-supported distributions. We have in the past provided “How to install and use Ubuntu” training and plan to do so again in the future (if you are interested please email support@gn.apc.org for more information).
Ubuntu is another free Linux operating system distribution for desktops, laptops and servers which is increasing in popularity due to it’s ease of use and installation, unrivaled stability, and it’s cost, nada, nothing, zilch! All of the office computers at GreenNet have either Ubuntu or Kubuntu installed – some alongside Windows (yes they can work in harmony on one machine!).
To learn more about the difference between Open Source and proprietary software see the Open Source vs. Proprietary Software page.
What is “free software”?
“Free software” doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have to pay for it; it means that you should be able to use the software in any way you wish: the code that makes up free software is available for anyone to download, change, fix, and use in any way.
Alongside ideological benefits, this freedom also has technical advantages: when programs are developed, the hard work of others can be used and built upon. With non-free software, this cannot happen and when programs are developed, they have to start from scratch. For this reason the development of free software is fast, efficient and exciting!
Want to know more?
You can find out more about free software and the ideological and technical philosophy behind it at the GNU website.
Other open source packages that you may already be familiar with (because they are available for Windows and/or MacOS) are Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Thunderbird and LibreOffice. A light weight powerful web browser, a light weight and heavily customisable e-mail client and a completely MS Office compatible light weight office suit respectively.