The CMOSS Team uses the following Open Source software on a routine basis to help us "get things done." We encourage anyone to consider using these tools in their classrooms to see if they might fit their needs. Got a question about any of these programs? Contact us for information.

We may not be experts in each of these programs, but we can work with you to help you find your own Open Source solutions.

• Evolution email client - When working in Linux, CMOSS can recommend no better email client than Evolution. Simple to use and learn.
• Fedora Linux - Fedora is a desktop and server operating system that is used by CMOSS to teach Linux concepts and run classroom servers.
• FreeNAS - CMOSS uses this Linux distribution to set up simple (and complex) Network Attached Storage devices in the classroom and at home.
• GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) - CMOSS recommends this program as an alternative to Photoshop. Also available in a portable application.
• Inkscape SVG graphics editor - CMOSS uses Inkscape to produce many of the graphics and logos found throughout our website.
• Joomla! content management system - CMOSS uses Joomla to power this website and provide a gateway to our corporate Intranet.
• K12LTSP (K12 Linux Terminal Server Project) - CMOSS uses this server platform on a fairly low-end server to transform old computers into clients for an excellent working computer lab.
• Moodle course management system - CMOSS uses Moodle to provide 21st century tools to classroom instruction. It is being used more and more widely throughout the world.
• Mozilla Firefox web browser - CMOSS recommends using Firefox to access Moodle and any other site on the Internet.
• Notepad++ text editor - CMOSS uses Notepad++ when editing html or PHP code. Highly customizable for a variety of uses.
• OpenOffice.org productivity suite - CMOSS uses OpenOffice.org to produce presentations and documents. We find this particularly useful as a portable application.
• Smoothwall firewall - Used by CMOSS to segment classroom networks from the main school network and to secure personal networks, too. It can be used to turn any PC into a reliable hardware firewall/router.
• SugarCRM customer relationship management - CMOSS uses this program to keep up with to-do lists, contacts, and basic project management. A powerful application with capabilities we are just starting to appreciate.
• Thunderbird email client - CMOSS recommends Thunderbird as an alternative to Outlook or any other desktop mail client.
• Ubuntu Linux - Ubuntu is another desktop and server operating system used by CMOSS to teach Linux concepts and run development servers.
• VLC Media Player - The ultimate video and music player for any PC. CMOSS recommends this to play anything that you find online. Forget about searching for codecs or obscure video players.