OpenSource

Open source is software that is free to use, modify, and share. It gives communities the freedom to adapt technology to their own needs without heavy costs.

Why Open Source Matters for Communities

At Give a Smile Today, we advocate for open-source because it:

• Reduces costs for schools, churches, hospitals, farmers, and community projects.

• Builds skills by encouraging learning and innovation.

• Promotes independence—communities can adapt solutions for local needs.

• Encourages sharing and collaboration for long-term empowerment.

Open-source technology is not just software; it is a tool for empowerment, equality, and community growth.

At Give A Smile Today, we value open-source software because it empowers people globally through the freedom to use, modify, and share software. Unlike proprietary systems, open-source under the GNU General Public License (GPL) provides opportunities for learning, innovation, and community-driven development.

Linux and related applications are central to this movement, powering everything from servers and supercomputers to mobile devices and embedded systems.

🎓 Learn Linux for Free Online

Here are some of the best free Linux learning resources and courses:

• Linux on Coursera – University-level Linux training.

• Linux on edX – Free courses from the Linux Foundation and universities.

• TutorialsPoint – Unix/Linux – Beginner-friendly tutorials.

• LinkedIn Learning (Lynda) – Linux video tutorials.

• LinuxCommand.org – Learning the Linux command line.

• Guru99 Linux Tutorials – Clear, practical tutorials.

• Vim Adventures – A fun game for learning Vim.

• Codecademy – Command Line – Interactive learning.

• Bash Academy – Learn the Bash shell step-by-step.

• TechViral Linux Guides – Curated Linux learning sites.

• Geek University Linux – Linux basics and administration.

• Linux Journey – Free structured Linux learning path.

• IBM Linux Developer Resources – Enterprise Linux training.

• Learn Shell – Hands-on shell scripting practice.

• Linux Foundation YouTube Channel – Free video resources.

• It’s FOSS Free Linux Courses – Updated list of free Linux courses.

• The Linux Documentation Project – Extensive manuals and guides.

📘 Bonus: Download Free Linux Command Line Book (PDF).

🌍 Linux & Open-Source Resource Hubs

• DistroWatch – Discover Linux distributions.

• Linux Mint – A beginner-friendly Linux OS.

• Linux and Ubuntu Blog – Guides & community tips.

• Linux4One Webmin Guide – Webmin setup tutorials.

🏛 Organizations Supporting GPL & Open Source

• Linux Foundation – The backbone of global Linux development.

• Free Software Foundation (FSF) – Advocates for user freedoms and GPL.

• Open Source Initiative (OSI) – Defines and promotes open-source standards.

• Apache Software Foundation – Hosts projects like Apache Server, Hadoop.

• Mozilla Foundation – Advocates for open internet and free software.

📚 GPL Applications Empowering Communities

• Moodle – Open-source Learning Management System (LMS).

• Koha – Free Integrated Library System (ILS).

• Bahmni – Healthcare ERP built on open-source.

• WordPress – World’s most used open-source CMS.

• Drupal – Community-driven CMS.

💻 Microsoft, Apple & Other Equivalents

While Linux thrives under open collaboration, Microsoft and Apple dominate with proprietary ecosystems. Here’s how they compare:

• Microsoft

  • Proprietary OS: Windows.

  • Cloud & Open Source: Microsoft Azure + contributions to Linux Kernel & GitHub.

  • Training: Microsoft Learn.

• Apple

  • Proprietary OS: macOS, iOS.

  • Open Source roots: Darwin OS and Swift programming language.

  • Training: Apple Developer Program.

• Google (Hybrid Approach)

  • Proprietary + Open Source: Android OS (Linux kernel-based).

  • Google Open Source supports GPL-driven projects.

✅ With Linux and GPL, the world benefits from freedom, collaboration, and empowerment — values aligned with our mission of sharing knowledge to uplift communities.

We believe that sharing is caring. Below is a comprehensive list of open-source applications that can empower communities, schools, churches, farmers, businesses, hospitals, institutions (prisons, police, military), and local projects.

📚 Education & Learning

• Moodle – Widely used Learning Management System (LMS).

• Sakai – Collaboration and learning platform for higher education.

• Open edX – A robust platform for MOOCs and online learning.

• Kolibri – Offline-first education platform for rural communities.

• GNU Khata – Accounting and school finance tool.

• BigBlueButton – Virtual classroom for online teaching.

• Chamilo – E-learning and course management.

• Xerte – Toolkits for creating interactive learning content.

• OpenScholar – Website platform for academic and research communities.

🌍 Community Development & Collaboration

• WordPress – CMS for community websites.

• Drupal – Flexible CMS for NGOs, governments, and portals.

• Nextcloud – File sharing and collaboration suite.

• Mattermost – Team collaboration and chat (Slack alternative).

• Discourse – Forum and community platform.

• Rocket.Chat – Open-source chat for organizations.

• OwnCloud – File storage and sync platform.

• Etherpad – Real-time collaborative writing.

• MediaWiki – Wiki software (used by Wikipedia).

🚜 Agriculture & Rural Empowerment

• FarmOS – Farm management and record-keeping.

• ODK (Open Data Kit) – Field data collection for agriculture and surveys.

• OpenATK – Tools for farm data management.

• Agrisense – Precision agriculture tools.

• AgroSense – Smart farming data platform.

• Akvo – Data-driven tools for rural development.

• Sahana Eden – Disaster & agriculture relief coordination.

• KoboToolbox – Field survey and agricultural impact data.

• OpenAg Toolkit – Open hardware and software for food systems.

🏥 Healthcare & Wellness

• OpenMRS – Medical record system for hospitals and clinics.

• GNU Health – Health and hospital management.

• OpenEMR – Electronic medical records.

• Bahmni – Hospital information system integrating EMR and ERP.

• DHIS2 – Health data collection and reporting.

• OpenEHR – Open platform for health data exchange.

• LibreHealth – Community-driven healthcare solutions.

• Open Dental – Dental practice management.

• iHRIS – Human resource information system for health facilities.

💼 Business & Financial Empowerment

• Odoo Community – ERP & CRM suite.

• ERPNext – ERP for SMEs, NGOs, and schools.

• Dolibarr – Business management for small organizations.

• Tryton – ERP solution for enterprises.

• LedgerSMB – Accounting and financial management.

• FrontAccounting – Web-based accounting.

• Metabase – Open-source business analytics.

• SuiteCRM – CRM for businesses and NGOs.

• EspoCRM – Lightweight CRM platform.

🏘️ Community & Social Impact Tools

• CiviCRM – CRM for NGOs, churches, and social organizations.

• Ushahidi – Crisis response and community mapping.

• Sahana Eden – Disaster management system.

• LibreTime – Community radio broadcasting.

• KoBoToolbox – Data collection for projects.

• Open Social – Community engagement platform.

• Mifos X – Microfinance and financial inclusion.

• Open Data Kit (ODK) – Social impact and survey data.

• Elgg – Social networking for communities.

🔒 Security, Governance & Institutions

• OpenPolice – Complaint tracking for police departments.

• iDempiere – ERP & governance management.

• CiviCase – Case management for social services, prisons, rehabilitation.

• LimeSurvey – Open-source survey tool.

• CKAN – Open data management system for government.

• OpenFire – Real-time collaboration for institutions.

• OpenAudit – IT audit and compliance tool.

• OpenG2P – Digital governance for public benefits.

• FreeIPA – Identity, policy, and security management.

🌐 Digital Skills & Empowerment

• GIMP – Image editing (Photoshop alternative).

• Inkscape – Vector graphics for design.

• LibreOffice – Free office suite.

• Blender – 3D animation and vocational design.

• Audacity – Audio editing for projects.

• Scribus – Desktop publishing.

• Kdenlive – Video editing software.

• Shotcut – Professional-grade video editor.

• OBS Studio – Live streaming and video recording.

✅ Note: All these tools are open-source, meaning they can be freely used, adapted, and shared to empower communities worldwide.