Free/Libre/Open-Source Software, or FLOSS, is an alternative term for free software (Wikipedia).  It is sometimes called FOSS or open source software or freeware.  The best known examples are Firefox (a web browser), Open Office (an office suite similar to MS Office)and Apache (a web server).

The software is liberally licensed to grant the right of users to study, change, and improve its design through the availability of its source code and the right to distribute the changed program. Synonymous with free software and open source software, the term describes similar software, licenses, culture, and development models, but is used by those who wish to be inclusive or who do not want to take a side on whether "free software" or "open-source software" is a better term, although neither side has shown much enthusiasm for the term "FLOSS". The FLOSS culture and community stem from hacker culture.

There are many examples of F(L)OSS software and this link takes you to the UNited Nations page of examples.  These are not esoteric programs, but are in some places mission critical applications used in all sectors of teh community.

The plus points of open source software are economically obvious to start with, as are the ethical arguments.  However, as they are not so popular, the costs of maintenance and training might be higher.  Overall, you must acknowledge that running computer programs costs money; nothing is free, but the ethics and long term sustainability of open source make it a option worth considering.

The is a FLOSS group in Hull who can be contacted via their web site.

For more information try

• open source initiative
• the social source
• Midlands Open Source Technology project for the voluntary sector
• Open Source and the voluntary sector from the ICT Hub
• Creative Commons licencing