Title: Current and Future Development of Open Source Software and Latest Development in ICT LA2.S05.

Name: Loo Soo Yong Class 5T1 IC Number: 940326-07-5417 Group members: Lee Yanzong Chew Tsu Tsen Lai Jia Hui

1.0 Definition of Open Source Software and Hardware

Open-source software is computer software that is available in source code form for which the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under a software license that permits users to study, change, and improve the software. Some open source licenses meet the requirements of the Open Source Definition. Open source software is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner. Open source software is the most prominent example of open source development and often compared to user generated content or legally defined open content movements. Open Source hardware is a term for tangible artifacts-machines, devices or other physical thing-whose design has been released to the public in such a way that anyone can make, modify, distribute, and use those things. This definition is intended to help provide guidelines for the development and evaluation of licenses for open source hardware.

2.0 The latest Open Source Operating System (OS) 2.1 Meaning of Open Source OS
Open source means that you can get the source code of the software for free while source code is the code of the program written in a certain programming language. Operating system is the software designed to control the hardware of a specific data-processing system in order to allow users and application programs to make use of it. An open source operating system is a set of programs that schedule tasks, allocates storage and presents a default interface to the user between applications. However, the operating system is free, and the user has the right to use, modify and redistribute the software for better interoperability.

2.2 Examples of Open Source OS Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an operating system which is based on Debian GNU/Linux distribution and distributed as free and open source software. It is named after the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu ("humanity towards others").

Ubuntu is designed primarily for use on personal computers, although a server edition also exists. Ubuntu holds an estimated global usage of more than 12 million desktop users, making it the most popular desktop Linux distribution with about 50% of Linux desktop marketshare. It is fourth most popular on web servers, though its popularity is increasing rapidly. Ubuntu is a fork of the Debian project's codebase. The original aim of the Ubuntu team was to create an easy-to-use (freedom for users rather than freedom for programmers) Linux desktop with new releases scheduled on a predictable six-month basis, resulting in a more frequently updated system.

Ubuntu's first release was on 20 October 2004. Since then, Canonical has released new versions of Ubuntu every six months[16] with commitment to support each release for eighteen months by providing security fixes, patches to critical bugs and minor updates to programs. It was decided that every fourth release, issued on a two-year basis, would receive long-term support (LTS). LTS releases are supported for three years on the desktop and five years on the server. As the time of writing, the latest LTS release is Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx), released on 29 April 2010, while the latest normal release is Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal), released on 28 April 2011.

Kubuntu (operating system)

Kubuntu is an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system using the KDE Plasma Desktop instead of the Unity graphical environment. It is part of the Ubuntu project and uses the same underlying system. It is possible to install both the KDE Plasma Desktop (kubuntu-desktop) as well as the Unity desktop (ubuntu-desktop) on the same machine. Every package in Kubuntu shares the same repositories as Ubuntu. It is released regularly on the same schedule as Ubuntu. Kubuntu's Plasma desktop is fully customizable, much more so than a GNOME or Unity desktop is without extra tools or configuration file editing. Originally designed to ease transition for users from other operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows) by allowing a similar desktop layout, the KDE Plasma Desktop incorporates widget-centric modularity that

allows the user to incorporate function similar to all other operating systems and also create new functionality not found in other operating system desktops. Desktop effects are integrated in the standard KDE SC 4 installation, and enabled by default if supported. It is worth noting that because Ubuntu and Kubuntu use the same sources/origins for their software, any application intended for one is installable, and will work, on the other. This makes it very common to see Firefox on Kubuntu or K3B on Ubuntu.

3.0 The Latest Open Source Application Software 3.1 Meaning of Open Source Application Software
Open source, as the name implies, means providing the software itself, along with the source code of it, free for distribution, compilation, modification and reuse at no charge or restriction. Its the kind of initiative usually and volunteers work, like the Firefox project, and the famous Apache Foundation. Open source application software is something for which the source code is available for download and anybody can modify it and release subsequent versions of the same provided they mention the version of the source using which they modified. Some open source applications have restrictions on their use and distribution, but many do not. Unlike public domain software, open source does have copyright.

3.2 Examples of Open Source application software Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a free and open source web browser descended from the Mozilla Application Suite and managed by Mozilla Corporation. As of March 2011, Firefox is the second most widely used browser, with approximately 30% of worldwide usage share of web browsers. To display web pages, Firefox uses the Gecko layout engine, which implements most current web standards in addition to several features that are intended to anticipate likely additions to the standards. Firefox retains the cross-platform nature of the original Mozilla browser, using the XUL user interface markup language. The user of XUL makes it possible to extend the browsers processes of these add-ons raised security concerns, and with the release of Firefox 0.9, the Mozilla Foundation opened a Mozilla Update website containing approved themes

and extensions. The user of XUL sets Firefox apart from other browsers, which use interfaces native to their respective platforms. Many of these projects were started before Firefox , and probably served as inspiration. The Firefox project has undergone several name changes. Originally titled Phoenix, it was renamed because of trademark issues with Phoenix Technologies. The replacement name, Firebird, provoked an intense response from the Firebird free database software project. In response, the Mozilla Foundation stated that the browser should always bear the name Mozilla Firebird to avoid confusion with the database software. After further pressure from the database server's development community, on February 9, 2004, Mozilla Firebird became Mozilla Firefox, often referred to as simply Firefox. Mozilla prefers that Firefox be abbreviated as Fx or fx, though it is often abbreviated as FF. The Firefox project went through many versions before 1.0 was released on November 9, 2004. After a series of stability and security fixes, the Mozilla Foundation released its first major update, Firefox version 1.5, on November 29, 2005. Firefox 1.5.0.12 is the final version officially supported under Windows 95.

Thunderbird (Mozilla Messaging)

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free, open source, cross-platform e-mail and news client developed by the Mozilla Foundation. The project strategy is modeled after Mozilla Firefox, a project aimed at creating a web browser. On December 7, 2004, version 1.0 was released, and received over 500,000 downloads in its first three days of release, and 1,000,000 in 10 days. Thunderbird, as a messaging system, is uniquely positioned as the tool that users can use to integrate as many of their communications as they want. By combining an open architecture, a powerful extensibility and customization framework, and a person-centric perspective on communications, Thunderbird is a powerful yet enjoyable tool to help individuals manage their online interactions-whether thats email, instant messaging, social networking messages, or other types of message.

Thunderbird will evolve to embrace the Web, by continuing to blur the distinction between whats on the web and whats on the desktop, while keeping in mind the importance of keeping the individual in charge of their online experience.

4.0 The latest Development in ICT 4.1 Hardware

The AMD Radeon HD 6990 is currently the worlds fastest graphics card, besting the competitors GeForce GTX590 graphics card. With its dual second-generation DirectX 11 GPU, the AMD Radeon HD 6990 boasts unsurpassed speed and graphics performance. Featuring a whopping 4GB of GDDR5 memory, it is a perfect graphics card for extreme monitor resolutions and multi-monitor displays. Flipping the unlock switch of the Radeon HD 6990 automatically overclocks the graphic card, taking PC gaming beyond anyones expectations. With its AMD CrossfireX technology, adding a second HD6990 will further improve gaming performance, with extreme realism and depth.

Comparison of AMD Radeon HD 6990 and NVIDIA GTX590

AMD Radeon HD 6990 Number of Cores Compute Performance Frame Buffer Pixel Fillrate Memory Bandwidth Memory Clock Estimated Power Consumption 3072 5.1 Teraflops 4GB 53.1Gpix/s 320GB/s 1250MHz 375W NVIDIA GTX590 1024 3.16 Teraflops 3GB 77.7Gpix/s 327.7GB/s 1707MHz 365W

4.2 Software
Norton 360, developed by Symantec, is marketed as an "all-in-one" security suite. The package includes a personal firewall, phishing protection and the ability to detect and remove malware. What distinguishes this suite from Norton Internet Security is the inclusion of file backup and PC maintenance capabilities. The package is distributed as a download, a box copy, or is preinstalled on computers as OEM software. Additional functions, including parental controls and e-mail spam filtering, are available as extensions developed also by Symantec. Norton 360 is compatible with 32bit editions of Windows XP and 32-bit or 64-bit editions of Windows Vista. Windows 7 support has been added. The new package Norton 360 v4.0 advertises several new features. The features are Norton File Insight, and Norton System Insight. However, all of those have been around for several months now, with the release of Norton Antivirus 2010. The new package only has 2 truly new features and they are: Reputation Service and Web-based Access to Backup Files Reputation service-This feature adds additional layers of protection to detect online threats such as viruses, Trojans, malware, spyware, rootkits and any other threats. Norton reputation service can be manipulated its tools to detect filoes and applications in real-time, verifying their safety to the user. Web based Access to Backup Files allows the user to retrieve and restore files that have been previously backed up online. Once the files has backup to Nortons backup server, the user is able to retrieve and restore them anytime and anywhere, from any computer with Internet connection.

5.0 Pervasive Computing

Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) is a post -desktop model of human-computer interaction in which information processing has been thoroughly integrated into everyday objects and activities. In the course of ordinary activities, someone "using" ubiquitous computing engages many computational devices and systems simultaneously, and may not necessarily even be aware that they are doing so. This model is usually considered an advancement from the desktop paradigm. More formally Ubiquitous computing is defined as "machines that fit the human environment instead of forcing humans to enter theirs."

This paradigm is also described as pervasive computing, ambient intelligence, where each term emphasizes slightly different aspects. When primarily concerning the objects involved, it is also physical computing, the Internet of Things, haptic computing, and things that think. Rather than propose a single definition for ubiquitous computing and for these related terms, taxonomy of properties for ubiquitous computing has been proposed, from which different kinds or flavors of ubiquitous systems and applications can be described.

5.2 Examples of Pervasive Computing Blu-ray Player

Blu-ray is the replacement disc-based format to DVD. It enables higher storage capacity of 25GB on a single layer disc and 50GB ona dual-layer disc. The higher storage provides for the necessary space to contain full high definition videos for a full-featured movie length. It is derived from the underlying technology, as it uses a blue -violet laser to read and write its content. Hence the Blu from its blue-violet laser and Ray for its optical based disc and requiring the ray to read its content.

Tivo
A media device in every sense, TiVo combines instant access and amazing control of Freebie channels using any television, with the freedom and functionary of broadband Internet. Enjoying being able to record, pause and rewind live TV through intuitive user interface as well as having access to broadband entertainment services such as on demand movies and music. Tivo allows any TV to be digital-ready and high definition-ready. TVs equipped with Tivo enables user to experience digital quality pictures and new TV channels, as well as pausing, rewinding and recording live TV.

6.0 Conclusion
Open Source can be used by anyone and because it has no copyright claims, so users are free to use, change and improve upon the software, and redistribute it modified or unmodifired. Pervasive computing is to make our lives easier because we can interact with computers a lot easier. However, they should be used wisely as abuse of those applications may harm the society and the user himself.

7.0 References
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norton_360 http://www.geforce.com/#/Hardware/GPUs/geforce-gtx-590/overview http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/amd-radeon-hd-6000/hd6990/Pages/amd-radeon-hd-6990-overview.aspx http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tivo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubuntu http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozilla_firefox http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozilla_Thunderbird