Open Source Software (OSS) is a rapidly growing part of the technological world. Numerous operating systems, productivity software, web browsers, tools and games are available all over the world, many of them created by teams of hundreds or even thousands of contributing developers, and often released for free. Numerous government, educational, and commercial groups, as well as a growing number of private individuals, are switching to open source software for a variety of reasons, including cost, security, and effectiveness. However, there remains much debate over the viability of many open source projects; many opinions on either side are biased, and for the average user these conflicting opinions are most confusing.

Design a series of web pages that address open source software. An overview of what open source software is and how it is created should be included in your solution. Also included should be an overview of some of the top open source software options available, including operating systems, productivity suites, software tools, and anything else you see fit. Further, your solution should contain information that focuses on four major areas of open source software usage: government, education, commercial/corporate, and personal.

In addition to research on available open source software and its uses, a section of your web site should address the benefits, constraints, and problems of open source. Participants are to be objective and unbiased; a solution that only promotes—or that only criticizes—open source software will be awarded fewer points than a solution that provides a well researched, well rounded discussion of all aspects of open source.

You may choose how to organize the required information within the boundaries of the competitions rules. Teams that develop an effective and user friendly means of providing the most pertinent information will be the most successful.

III.                Solution Limitations

The URL submitted must be a site designed by the team that features the solution to the design brief, the TSA chapter, and the school’s career and technology education program. The team’s design brief solution and TSA chapter web site (designed by the team) must be linked from this page.

For further details about the competition and important deadline dates, carefully review the rules and regulations for Cyberspace Pursuit in 2007 & 2008 High School Technology Activities, National TSA Conference Competitive Events Guide.