Introduction

The Open Source Handbook is about "open source software". This is a revolutionary way of developing, using and sharing computer software that is changing the way we all work and socialise.

Computer software developers are now working together co-operatively in communities around the world to develop innovative and powerful packages that solve real world problems. And the best thing is: it is free and totally legal to download and share these packages - in fact it is actively encouraged!

You do not need to be a "tech-head" or a "nerd" to read this handbook. Although technical people will find a lot of useful information, The Open Source Handbook is aimed fairly and squarely at:

• Managers in commercial companies
• Managers in public sector organisations
• Individual home computer users
• Entrepreneurs
• Young people considering a career in computing
• ... and anyone else who uses computers on a day-to-day basis