Textbook: Introduction to FOSS | Computer Science for Class 7 PDF Download

 Page 1


Tejas: I saw my friend’s sister preparing a brochure. She said that she is using a FOSS desktop 
publishing software. She also told us that she learnt to use the application on her own by exploring 
its features. What is FOSS?
Moz: FOSS  stands for Free and Open Source Software. You have been using many FOSS applications 
like Open Office, educational  games  and multimedia applications. 
Jyoti: Yes. We used these applications for project reports and presentations at competitions.
Tejas: These applications were available on all the computers in the lab. Our teacher downloaded 
and shared the application with us. We could also install these applications at home. 
Moz: You have already given two parts of the definition of FOSS. One is freedom to use the 
application for your purposes and the second is freedom to share the application with others. 
There are two more parts to the definition. To understand these, recall what a program code looks 
like from BASIC and Scratch.      Program
Jyoti: Yes.
Moz: Every application is written in some programming language. The program code of the 
application is called the source code. Now, suppose you want a feature in Open Office word 
processor which is not available, then you can modify the source code of the application to add 
the feature. You can also distribute  the modified application to others. Freedom to modify and 
freedom to distribute an application are the third and fourth parts of the FOSS definition.
Sequence of instruction given to a computer is called a program.
1
1
Aim: In this lesson, you will learn:
- To find an application for a given purpose.
- To independently explore its features.
Introduction to FOSS
9
Download
Page 2


Tejas: I saw my friend’s sister preparing a brochure. She said that she is using a FOSS desktop 
publishing software. She also told us that she learnt to use the application on her own by exploring 
its features. What is FOSS?
Moz: FOSS  stands for Free and Open Source Software. You have been using many FOSS applications 
like Open Office, educational  games  and multimedia applications. 
Jyoti: Yes. We used these applications for project reports and presentations at competitions.
Tejas: These applications were available on all the computers in the lab. Our teacher downloaded 
and shared the application with us. We could also install these applications at home. 
Moz: You have already given two parts of the definition of FOSS. One is freedom to use the 
application for your purposes and the second is freedom to share the application with others. 
There are two more parts to the definition. To understand these, recall what a program code looks 
like from BASIC and Scratch.      Program
Jyoti: Yes.
Moz: Every application is written in some programming language. The program code of the 
application is called the source code. Now, suppose you want a feature in Open Office word 
processor which is not available, then you can modify the source code of the application to add 
the feature. You can also distribute  the modified application to others. Freedom to modify and 
freedom to distribute an application are the third and fourth parts of the FOSS definition.
Sequence of instruction given to a computer is called a program.
1
1
Aim: In this lesson, you will learn:
- To find an application for a given purpose.
- To independently explore its features.
Introduction to FOSS
9
Download
FOSS concept
Concept
Free software is about the users’ freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and 
improve the software. More precisely, it means that the program’s users have the four 
essential freedoms: 
The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you 
wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is essential for this. Providing access to the 
source code is called Open Source.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
The	 freedom	 to	 distribute	 copies	 of	 your	 modified	 versions	 to	 others	 (freedom	 3).	 By	
doing	this	you	can	give	the	whole	community	a	chance	to	benefit	from	your	changes.	
Jyoti: How do we know how to install and use the features of an application? 
Moz: Notes and guidelines for installation and using features of application are provided. These 
guidelines are called documentation. Sometimes users of FOSS applications put up tutorials on 
using the software. You will learn more about user forums later.
Moz: You have used many FOSS applications in earlier lessons. Now you will learn to explore 
an application’s features on your own. Suppose you want to create a mindmap, you can find the 
application by searching Source Forge or Query on Google ‘FOSS Mindmap Application’. 
     Searching the Internet  
Installation 
Many FOSS applications are available for download. •	
Different distributions are available for different •	 Operating Sytems.	 (Example:	 Open	 Office	
is available for Ubuntu and Windows OS).
Documentation 
Is usually available for •	
Installation o
Usage of features o
Other help links that can be searched for are: tutorials, sample problems and solutions and •	
application output samples.
Some applications may also provide the documentation under the Help menu. •	
Troubleshooting 
For	 clarifications	 on	 applic ation,	 Frequently	 Asked	 Question	 (FAQ)	 section	 is	 generally	 •	
available at the application originating website.
Queries	can	be	uploaded	at	user	forum	of	the	application.		 •	
Info
Using FOSS applications
Search engines provide a list of links to websites based on some keywords provided by the user. Find the sites that suit the purpose and 
download information, applications or just read the content. Apply the AWARE rules for responsible use of Internet resources.
1
1
Page 3


Tejas: I saw my friend’s sister preparing a brochure. She said that she is using a FOSS desktop 
publishing software. She also told us that she learnt to use the application on her own by exploring 
its features. What is FOSS?
Moz: FOSS  stands for Free and Open Source Software. You have been using many FOSS applications 
like Open Office, educational  games  and multimedia applications. 
Jyoti: Yes. We used these applications for project reports and presentations at competitions.
Tejas: These applications were available on all the computers in the lab. Our teacher downloaded 
and shared the application with us. We could also install these applications at home. 
Moz: You have already given two parts of the definition of FOSS. One is freedom to use the 
application for your purposes and the second is freedom to share the application with others. 
There are two more parts to the definition. To understand these, recall what a program code looks 
like from BASIC and Scratch.      Program
Jyoti: Yes.
Moz: Every application is written in some programming language. The program code of the 
application is called the source code. Now, suppose you want a feature in Open Office word 
processor which is not available, then you can modify the source code of the application to add 
the feature. You can also distribute  the modified application to others. Freedom to modify and 
freedom to distribute an application are the third and fourth parts of the FOSS definition.
Sequence of instruction given to a computer is called a program.
1
1
Aim: In this lesson, you will learn:
- To find an application for a given purpose.
- To independently explore its features.
Introduction to FOSS
9
Download
FOSS concept
Concept
Free software is about the users’ freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and 
improve the software. More precisely, it means that the program’s users have the four 
essential freedoms: 
The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you 
wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is essential for this. Providing access to the 
source code is called Open Source.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
The	 freedom	 to	 distribute	 copies	 of	 your	 modified	 versions	 to	 others	 (freedom	 3).	 By	
doing	this	you	can	give	the	whole	community	a	chance	to	benefit	from	your	changes.	
Jyoti: How do we know how to install and use the features of an application? 
Moz: Notes and guidelines for installation and using features of application are provided. These 
guidelines are called documentation. Sometimes users of FOSS applications put up tutorials on 
using the software. You will learn more about user forums later.
Moz: You have used many FOSS applications in earlier lessons. Now you will learn to explore 
an application’s features on your own. Suppose you want to create a mindmap, you can find the 
application by searching Source Forge or Query on Google ‘FOSS Mindmap Application’. 
     Searching the Internet  
Installation 
Many FOSS applications are available for download. •	
Different distributions are available for different •	 Operating Sytems.	 (Example:	 Open	 Office	
is available for Ubuntu and Windows OS).
Documentation 
Is usually available for •	
Installation o
Usage of features o
Other help links that can be searched for are: tutorials, sample problems and solutions and •	
application output samples.
Some applications may also provide the documentation under the Help menu. •	
Troubleshooting 
For	 clarifications	 on	 applic ation,	 Frequently	 Asked	 Question	 (FAQ)	 section	 is	 generally	 •	
available at the application originating website.
Queries	can	be	uploaded	at	user	forum	of	the	application.		 •	
Info
Using FOSS applications
Search engines provide a list of links to websites based on some keywords provided by the user. Find the sites that suit the purpose and 
download information, applications or just read the content. Apply the AWARE rules for responsible use of Internet resources.
1
1
Using Xmind, draw a mind map which shows the parts and their functions of a plant cell. 
Assignments:
Thinking Process Skills
Guidelines
Using Xmind
Skill
Xmind: Getting started
Use	 the	 path	 Applications-->	 Office	 -->	 Xmind	 to	 open	 this	 application.	It opens an 
empty workbook, with a placeholder for the central idea or topic. To rename the 
‘Central Topic’, select it and type in the required name.
To add a ‘Main Topic’, select the 
‘Central topic’ and press ‘Enter’ (You 
can also use ‘Insert’ option on the 
menu bar to add a main topic).
Select and rename the ‘Main Topic1’ as 
per the requirement.  To add a subtopic 
press ‘Tab’ key.
To insert a topic in the: 
Same level - Select a topic and Press ‘Enter’ key. 1. 
Sub-level - Select a topic and press ‘Tab’ key. 2. 
In the mind map, you can add:
Notes and pictures to your ideas. •	
Boundaries to various sections. •	
Relationship lines between ideas. •	
A mind map for ‘Inside a computer’ drawn using Xmind, is shown below.
XMind, is an open source brainstorming and mind mapping software application. 
Recall that, brainstorming is a strategy for generating ideas and a mind map is used to 
visualize, structure, and classify ideas. In a mind map the ideas that  are generated during a 
brain storming session are arranged around a central idea or key word.
Explore Xmind
Application of thinking process skills is important for any activity, for example apply systematic gathering of information, step wise thinking 
and logical reasoning, to select content and draw the mindmap and also for the news letters in the next assignment.
1
1
Page 4


Tejas: I saw my friend’s sister preparing a brochure. She said that she is using a FOSS desktop 
publishing software. She also told us that she learnt to use the application on her own by exploring 
its features. What is FOSS?
Moz: FOSS  stands for Free and Open Source Software. You have been using many FOSS applications 
like Open Office, educational  games  and multimedia applications. 
Jyoti: Yes. We used these applications for project reports and presentations at competitions.
Tejas: These applications were available on all the computers in the lab. Our teacher downloaded 
and shared the application with us. We could also install these applications at home. 
Moz: You have already given two parts of the definition of FOSS. One is freedom to use the 
application for your purposes and the second is freedom to share the application with others. 
There are two more parts to the definition. To understand these, recall what a program code looks 
like from BASIC and Scratch.      Program
Jyoti: Yes.
Moz: Every application is written in some programming language. The program code of the 
application is called the source code. Now, suppose you want a feature in Open Office word 
processor which is not available, then you can modify the source code of the application to add 
the feature. You can also distribute  the modified application to others. Freedom to modify and 
freedom to distribute an application are the third and fourth parts of the FOSS definition.
Sequence of instruction given to a computer is called a program.
1
1
Aim: In this lesson, you will learn:
- To find an application for a given purpose.
- To independently explore its features.
Introduction to FOSS
9
Download
FOSS concept
Concept
Free software is about the users’ freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and 
improve the software. More precisely, it means that the program’s users have the four 
essential freedoms: 
The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you 
wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is essential for this. Providing access to the 
source code is called Open Source.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
The	 freedom	 to	 distribute	 copies	 of	 your	 modified	 versions	 to	 others	 (freedom	 3).	 By	
doing	this	you	can	give	the	whole	community	a	chance	to	benefit	from	your	changes.	
Jyoti: How do we know how to install and use the features of an application? 
Moz: Notes and guidelines for installation and using features of application are provided. These 
guidelines are called documentation. Sometimes users of FOSS applications put up tutorials on 
using the software. You will learn more about user forums later.
Moz: You have used many FOSS applications in earlier lessons. Now you will learn to explore 
an application’s features on your own. Suppose you want to create a mindmap, you can find the 
application by searching Source Forge or Query on Google ‘FOSS Mindmap Application’. 
     Searching the Internet  
Installation 
Many FOSS applications are available for download. •	
Different distributions are available for different •	 Operating Sytems.	 (Example:	 Open	 Office	
is available for Ubuntu and Windows OS).
Documentation 
Is usually available for •	
Installation o
Usage of features o
Other help links that can be searched for are: tutorials, sample problems and solutions and •	
application output samples.
Some applications may also provide the documentation under the Help menu. •	
Troubleshooting 
For	 clarifications	 on	 applic ation,	 Frequently	 Asked	 Question	 (FAQ)	 section	 is	 generally	 •	
available at the application originating website.
Queries	can	be	uploaded	at	user	forum	of	the	application.		 •	
Info
Using FOSS applications
Search engines provide a list of links to websites based on some keywords provided by the user. Find the sites that suit the purpose and 
download information, applications or just read the content. Apply the AWARE rules for responsible use of Internet resources.
1
1
Using Xmind, draw a mind map which shows the parts and their functions of a plant cell. 
Assignments:
Thinking Process Skills
Guidelines
Using Xmind
Skill
Xmind: Getting started
Use	 the	 path	 Applications-->	 Office	 -->	 Xmind	 to	 open	 this	 application.	It opens an 
empty workbook, with a placeholder for the central idea or topic. To rename the 
‘Central Topic’, select it and type in the required name.
To add a ‘Main Topic’, select the 
‘Central topic’ and press ‘Enter’ (You 
can also use ‘Insert’ option on the 
menu bar to add a main topic).
Select and rename the ‘Main Topic1’ as 
per the requirement.  To add a subtopic 
press ‘Tab’ key.
To insert a topic in the: 
Same level - Select a topic and Press ‘Enter’ key. 1. 
Sub-level - Select a topic and press ‘Tab’ key. 2. 
In the mind map, you can add:
Notes and pictures to your ideas. •	
Boundaries to various sections. •	
Relationship lines between ideas. •	
A mind map for ‘Inside a computer’ drawn using Xmind, is shown below.
XMind, is an open source brainstorming and mind mapping software application. 
Recall that, brainstorming is a strategy for generating ideas and a mind map is used to 
visualize, structure, and classify ideas. In a mind map the ideas that  are generated during a 
brain storming session are arranged around a central idea or key word.
Explore Xmind
Application of thinking process skills is important for any activity, for example apply systematic gathering of information, step wise thinking 
and logical reasoning, to select content and draw the mindmap and also for the news letters in the next assignment.
1
1
Explore Scribus
Unleash your creativity, while exploring Scribus, to design a page layout for a newsletter.
This is a Desktop Publishing (DTP) application, used to design page layout of the content. 
(Example: Newspaper, Magazines, Brochures, Newsletters).
An online manual is available at http://docs.scribus.net
Skill
Scribus: Getting started
Use the path Applications--> Graphics --> Scribus. Select the required settings for 1. 
document layout, page orientation and size, margin size etc. Then click OK.
The document is opened with the 2. 
selected settings. Insert a text or image 
frame to add content to the document. 
In a text frame you can insert only 
text, while image frame is for inserting 
images in the document.
Right click on the text frame to insert the 3. 
text. You can type in or paste already 
typed	 text.	 You	 can	 even	 insert	 files	
into the text frame. Similarly, you can 
insert images into the image frame.
Click on ‘Get Text’, a pop up window 4. 
is displayed. Browse and select the 
required	file	and	click	Open.	
The	 text	 in	 the	 selected	 file	 is	 inserted	 5. 
in the text frame. 
 
Page 5


Tejas: I saw my friend’s sister preparing a brochure. She said that she is using a FOSS desktop 
publishing software. She also told us that she learnt to use the application on her own by exploring 
its features. What is FOSS?
Moz: FOSS  stands for Free and Open Source Software. You have been using many FOSS applications 
like Open Office, educational  games  and multimedia applications. 
Jyoti: Yes. We used these applications for project reports and presentations at competitions.
Tejas: These applications were available on all the computers in the lab. Our teacher downloaded 
and shared the application with us. We could also install these applications at home. 
Moz: You have already given two parts of the definition of FOSS. One is freedom to use the 
application for your purposes and the second is freedom to share the application with others. 
There are two more parts to the definition. To understand these, recall what a program code looks 
like from BASIC and Scratch.      Program
Jyoti: Yes.
Moz: Every application is written in some programming language. The program code of the 
application is called the source code. Now, suppose you want a feature in Open Office word 
processor which is not available, then you can modify the source code of the application to add 
the feature. You can also distribute  the modified application to others. Freedom to modify and 
freedom to distribute an application are the third and fourth parts of the FOSS definition.
Sequence of instruction given to a computer is called a program.
1
1
Aim: In this lesson, you will learn:
- To find an application for a given purpose.
- To independently explore its features.
Introduction to FOSS
9
Download
FOSS concept
Concept
Free software is about the users’ freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and 
improve the software. More precisely, it means that the program’s users have the four 
essential freedoms: 
The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you 
wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is essential for this. Providing access to the 
source code is called Open Source.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
The	 freedom	 to	 distribute	 copies	 of	 your	 modified	 versions	 to	 others	 (freedom	 3).	 By	
doing	this	you	can	give	the	whole	community	a	chance	to	benefit	from	your	changes.	
Jyoti: How do we know how to install and use the features of an application? 
Moz: Notes and guidelines for installation and using features of application are provided. These 
guidelines are called documentation. Sometimes users of FOSS applications put up tutorials on 
using the software. You will learn more about user forums later.
Moz: You have used many FOSS applications in earlier lessons. Now you will learn to explore 
an application’s features on your own. Suppose you want to create a mindmap, you can find the 
application by searching Source Forge or Query on Google ‘FOSS Mindmap Application’. 
     Searching the Internet  
Installation 
Many FOSS applications are available for download. •	
Different distributions are available for different •	 Operating Sytems.	 (Example:	 Open	 Office	
is available for Ubuntu and Windows OS).
Documentation 
Is usually available for •	
Installation o
Usage of features o
Other help links that can be searched for are: tutorials, sample problems and solutions and •	
application output samples.
Some applications may also provide the documentation under the Help menu. •	
Troubleshooting 
For	 clarifications	 on	 applic ation,	 Frequently	 Asked	 Question	 (FAQ)	 section	 is	 generally	 •	
available at the application originating website.
Queries	can	be	uploaded	at	user	forum	of	the	application.		 •	
Info
Using FOSS applications
Search engines provide a list of links to websites based on some keywords provided by the user. Find the sites that suit the purpose and 
download information, applications or just read the content. Apply the AWARE rules for responsible use of Internet resources.
1
1
Using Xmind, draw a mind map which shows the parts and their functions of a plant cell. 
Assignments:
Thinking Process Skills
Guidelines
Using Xmind
Skill
Xmind: Getting started
Use	 the	 path	 Applications-->	 Office	 -->	 Xmind	 to	 open	 this	 application.	It opens an 
empty workbook, with a placeholder for the central idea or topic. To rename the 
‘Central Topic’, select it and type in the required name.
To add a ‘Main Topic’, select the 
‘Central topic’ and press ‘Enter’ (You 
can also use ‘Insert’ option on the 
menu bar to add a main topic).
Select and rename the ‘Main Topic1’ as 
per the requirement.  To add a subtopic 
press ‘Tab’ key.
To insert a topic in the: 
Same level - Select a topic and Press ‘Enter’ key. 1. 
Sub-level - Select a topic and press ‘Tab’ key. 2. 
In the mind map, you can add:
Notes and pictures to your ideas. •	
Boundaries to various sections. •	
Relationship lines between ideas. •	
A mind map for ‘Inside a computer’ drawn using Xmind, is shown below.
XMind, is an open source brainstorming and mind mapping software application. 
Recall that, brainstorming is a strategy for generating ideas and a mind map is used to 
visualize, structure, and classify ideas. In a mind map the ideas that  are generated during a 
brain storming session are arranged around a central idea or key word.
Explore Xmind
Application of thinking process skills is important for any activity, for example apply systematic gathering of information, step wise thinking 
and logical reasoning, to select content and draw the mindmap and also for the news letters in the next assignment.
1
1
Explore Scribus
Unleash your creativity, while exploring Scribus, to design a page layout for a newsletter.
This is a Desktop Publishing (DTP) application, used to design page layout of the content. 
(Example: Newspaper, Magazines, Brochures, Newsletters).
An online manual is available at http://docs.scribus.net
Skill
Scribus: Getting started
Use the path Applications--> Graphics --> Scribus. Select the required settings for 1. 
document layout, page orientation and size, margin size etc. Then click OK.
The document is opened with the 2. 
selected settings. Insert a text or image 
frame to add content to the document. 
In a text frame you can insert only 
text, while image frame is for inserting 
images in the document.
Right click on the text frame to insert the 3. 
text. You can type in or paste already 
typed	 text.	 You	 can	 even	 insert	 files	
into the text frame. Similarly, you can 
insert images into the image frame.
Click on ‘Get Text’, a pop up window 4. 
is displayed. Browse and select the 
required	file	and	click	Open.	
The	 text	 in	 the	 selected	 file	 is	 inserted	 5. 
in the text frame. 
 
For using the application:
Keep all the content and images ready in a directory. •	
Plan the design of the page, on paper. •	
Text frames are required for content in text format and image frames are •	
required for images. Check these and other options available under insert 
submenu.
Populate the content as per the design. Note that you may have to resize the •	
images, Font sizes etc.
Design the newsletter page layout using one of the two sample formats given below. Use • 
the content of Newsletter that you have prepared in the lesson 3. 
Compare features of Word processor and Scribus to create a newsletter. • 
Assignments:
Guidelines
Using Scribus
Surf the Internet and find a • 
suitable FOSS application for a 
given purpose.
Independently explore the • 
features of the application.
At the end of this lesson, you will 
be able to:
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