As the role of desktop computing changes, cloud computing (server-based computing) and mobile computing (phones and tablets) is taking a larger role in our lives. How and where does FOSS intersect with our new uses and expectations for cloud and mobile computing?
The lesson addresses these topics:
- Android
- FOSS on mobile devices
- GPL and app store conflicts
- Affero GPL
Advanced Organizer
During the lesson, look for answers to the following questions
- What advantages might FOSS bring to the mobile environment?
- How does copyleft affect the distribution of FOSS?
- What new issues arise when FOSS is server-based?
Walk-through
1. Read: Debunking 4 myths about Android, Google and open-source
You’re probably already aware that Apple’s iOS is closed source. Android is the biggest player in open source mobile operating systems, though several others (Firefox OS, Sailfish OS, Ubuntu Touch) exist.
- Android Open Source Project site provides the latest information and source code.
- LineageOS (formerly Cyanogenmod) is an aftermarket firmware for many mobile devices based on Android. It offers features not found in the official Android based firmwares of vendors.
- There are other Android-based firmwares under active development as well.
2. Review: F-Droid and List of FOSS Android Applications
F-Droid is an install-able catalog of FOSS for Android. Narrow the Browse list by selecting categories, or use the search bar. F-Droid is a repository of FOSS apps, along with an Android client to perform installations and updates, and news, reviews and other features covering all things Android and software-freedom related.
The Wikipedia list contains an extensive review of even more FOSS apps.
3. Read: The GPL, the App Store, and yourself
This article addresses the conflict between GPL and Apple’s App Store terms of use, following the case of VLC – a popular FOSS media player that became the center of this controversy.
- Can the GPL and App Store terms coexist?
- What is dual-licensing, and why is it permissible?
- Why would developers choose a strong copyleft license over a permissive license?
4. Read: Why the Affero GPL
Affero GPL provides a copyleft solution to one manner of side-stepping GPLrequirements (by making modified oftware available only through a server). This article also expresses the FSF’s position on “software as as service” (SaaS).
Activity
Explore Sandstorm.io
Sandstorm.io exists to enable everyone to control their own web server and use open-source web software (without administering the server themselves). “Sandstorm enables non-technical end users to install and run arbitrary software on servers they control. Apps may be downloaded from an app store and installed with one click, like installing apps on your phone. Each app runs in a secure sandbox, where it cannot interfere with other apps without permission.”
Sandstorm App Market is entirely composed of FOSS web applications, adapted for the Sandstorm environment. Those with the technical ability and available server resources could self-host these applications outside of Sandstorm. For the rest of us, Sandstorm allows us to launch and use FOSS web applications with ease. Sandstorm paid accounts provide more capacity for your personal server. The free account allows 5 “grains”, a counter that caps your server capacity – generally 5 installed applications.
- Sign up for a free account
- Explore the available apps
- Install 3 or more apps, and explore them.
Assignments
Blog Post #9: Discuss your experience with Sandstorm.io
- What was interesting, fun, or compelling?
- What frustrations, confusions, or drawbacks did you encounter?
- What licenses are your chosen applications released under? Which are copyleft licenses?
- Write a review for each application (start by clicking one of the “thumbs up/down” icons under the software description). Copy and paste your comments and assessment summary into your blog.