The Grassroots Open Source Tool List (Free Software Utilized by the LINC Project in Implementing Technology Projects for Groups)

GNU/Linux Operating Systems

• Red Hat Linux: distribution with big business behind it.
• Mandrake Linux: distribution with the aim of "making Linux easier to use for everyone".

Office Productivity

• Open Office: office application suite, includes word-processing, database and spreadsheet applications.
• Abiword: a small, but very functional word-processing application.

Internet Applications:

• Evolution: a full-featured personal information manager (PIM) includes task list, calendaring, email and other features.
• Kmail: email client.
• Mozilla: web-browser
• GAIM: instant messaging client compatible with multiple protocols including AIM, ICQ and a bunch of others.
• Gftp: ftp client.
• Konqueror: graphical ftp client and ssh client.
• OpenSSH: secure shell server.
• Mailman: an email discussion list manager.
• Sendmail: an SMTP server.
• Postfix : an SMTP server.

Web Creation/Maintenance Tools:

• Quanta: for web page creation and editing.
• Pagetool: a website content management system.
• PHP: scripting language used to engage MySQL databases with web pages.
• Apache : web server.

Databases:

• MySQL: powerful database backend.

Utilities:

• Red Carpet: software package updater.
• Xtraceroute: trace internet traffic.
• Smoothwall: firewall and virtual private networking (vpn) software.
• IPCop: Firewall.
• VNC Virtual Network Computing: access another computer's desktop remotely.
• Linux Terminal Sever Project: run a Linux desktop off of a high resourced server using a low-resourced client machine.

Graphic Image Editing:

• GIMP: GNU Image Manipulation Program

This case study is based upon work done by Arif Mamdani in implementing GRO's technology plan (for Arif's daily journals during the implementation see http://www.lincproject.org/toolkit/linux/). Sadanori Horiguchi conducted initial research and interviews for this case study.  Arif Mamdani authored the case study with Amanda Hickman, and Dirk Slater edited it. Special thanks to the LINC Project Advisory Groups for their input on this document. The Project receives major support from the Ford Foundation, Surdna Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Additional support comes from the Revson Foundation and funds raised by low-income groups to secure LINC services.