The free software programme was designed because of the need for qualified free software staff. The demand for qualified professionals is on the rise, since the use of free software as opposed to proprietary software is increasing by the day. Although this technology is used mainly in business, many governments, universities and institutions all over the world are beginning to study the possibility.
In Spain, implementation of this technology over proprietary options could lead to considerable savings in information systems. The European Union has also recommended the performance of studies to evaluate the use of free software as an alternative to proprietary software. One of the reasons put forward for this by the European Union is that general unfamiliarity with software source code means that its real purpose cannot be audited. This could seriously compromise the security of some countries, leaving it in the hands of the companies that create proprietary programs. In the context of this global reality, we have designed this programme, which offers students a range of possibilities depending on their professional profile and interests.
Moreover, conscious of the importance of breaking down barriers to knowledge, the UOC publishes many of the materials for this programme under free licences.
Participants can acquire and develop the following professional skills:
- Learn the history of free software.
- Know the basic legal aspects associated with free software.
- Learn the motivations of free software developers.
- Learn about free software economics and business models.
- Find out about diverse public initiatives for free software use.
- Learn about the model of free software development and free software engineering.
- Discover the environments and technologies of free software development.
- Analyse case studies of applications developed using the free software model.
- Discover the relevant economic factors associated with software.
- Know the different business models of the software industry.
- Know the business models associated with free software.
- Analyse cases of free software use in the private sector.
- Analyse real case studies of migration to free software in the private sector.
- Know the economic, technical and legal factors involved in setting up a business offering free software services and products.
- Be able to draw up a plan to set up a private business related to free software.
- Be familiar with the software needs of the public sector.
- Know the repercussions of the software in the public sector (use of confidential data, data persistence requirements, legislation).
- Analyse real case studies of free software migration in public authorities.
- Be able to draw up a plan to migrate public authorities to free software.
- Discover real case studies of systems implementation.
- Identify the legal and economic aspects of systems implementation.
- Know how to approach cases of free software implementation in public authorities.
- Know how to approach cases of free software implementation in the private sector.
- Propose migrations of IT systems.
- Consider the social and ethical consequences of the implementation of free software systems.
- Use and configure the Mozilla web browser (opt).
- Use the Ximian Evolution e-mail manager and personal organiser (pt).
- Install the OpenOffice.org office suite (opt).
- Configure the OpenOffice.org office suite (opt).
- Process texts with the Open Writer application (opt).
- Create spreadsheets with the Open Calc application (opt).
- Create presentations with the Open Impress application (opt).
- Create graphics with the Open Draw application (opt).
- Create databases with the Open Base application (opt).
- Learn about the basic concepts of intellectual property (rights of authorship and copyright) (opt).
- Learn about the legal framework of industrial property (patents, brands and industrial secrets).
- Know the implications of software licence contracts (opt).
- Identify the main elements of a software licence (opt).
- Know the basic conditions of proprietary and free software licences (opt).
- Be familiar with the most common free software licences (opt).
- Be aware of the practical aspects of free software licences (opt).
- Know the most relevant legal aspects of software creation and implementation (opt).
List of topics
| 1. |
Introduction to free software
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| 2. |
Free software in the public sector
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| 3. |
Legal aspects and the features of exploitation of free software
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| 4. |
Economic aspects and free software business models |
| 5. |
Implementation of free software systems
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| 6. |
Project on the Management of information systems in free software environments
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See complete syllabus
Price
2.395 euros
Consult the financial aid that the UOC offers to international students.
The programme fees should be confirmed on enrolment.
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