Worth: 30 points, Late papers will be docked 5 pts per 24 hour period

Collaboration: Feel free to discuss this issue with others, but each person should turn in his/her own copy.

Turn In: Approximately 2-3 pages addressing the debate about open source.

Objective: This is a hot topic in computer science right now, especially with the increased popularity of Linux. The goal is for you to be able to form coherent opinions and talk intelligently about the subject.

1. Find at least four sources (urls are fine) concerning the open source debate. One good place to start:

(Include your sources in your final paper.)

2. Write approximately two or three pages about what you've learned. (Note: "Two or three pages" is a guideline. Slightly shorter or longer is fine, but no dissertations and no "Dear Abby"-lengths.)

Use the following questions to help guide your paper:

• What is open source? Around what does the debate center?

• Who are some of the major groups involved in the debate?

• Consider at least three different "sides" in the debate. For each, explain some points that support it and some that argue against it.

• Is there a good solution (compromise)? If so, what is it? If not, why not?

3. Form your own opinion on the topic and support it.