From RBOSE

Free and open source software (FOSS) is an inclusive term which covers both Free Software and Open Source software which, despite describing similar development models, have differing cultures and philosophies.^[1] Free software focuses on the philosophical freedoms it gives to users while open source focuses on the perceived strengths of its peer-to-peer development model.^[2]

Free and Open source software, also F/OSS, FOSS, or FLOSS (free/libre/open source software) is software that is liberally licensed to grant the right of users to use, study, change, and improve its design through the availability of its source code. This approach has gained both momentum and acceptance as the potential benefits have been increasingly recognized by both individuals and corporate players. ^[3][4]

References

1. ↑ Feller (2005), p. 89, 362
2. ↑ Feller (2005), pp. 101-106, 110-111.
3. ↑ http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=168600351
4. ↑ http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=196901596&subSection=Open+Source

See Also

• Free Software - Definition of Free Software
• FOSS list - List of Free & Open Source Software
• Free OS - List of Free & Open Source Operating Systems
• Wikipedia:FLOSS Wikipedia on "Free and open source software"