Open-source could save schools money

Software can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. My school district employs various software, including Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Geneva Logic Vision and more. Even with volume licensing and education discounts, this software costs thousands of dollars when applied to every computer in the district. This heavy spending on computer software is unnecessary.

Almost all software Long Island schools run has an open-source alternative, which can be modified, redistributed, used and even sold for a profit free and legally. Our current proprietary software cannot be modified or transferred.

Using open-source software, such as GNU/Linux, could dramatically reduce the cost of running school computers while maintaining productivity.

Kevin Bozeat

Hauppauge

Editor's note: The writer is a high school senior.