FOSS - glossary item
FOSS can include non-proprietary technologies and software that enable users to examine, work with, and engage in efforts to improve the software or technology to benefit end users.
The underlying codes for the software are "open for all and anyone is free to use, study and modify the code" (web search results).
FOSS are considered not fully free since there are often hidden and human costs for production.
Examples include software such as Linux operating systems, Apache open office, Python coding software, the Moodle learning management system, or GIMP graphics editor.
People who work with FOSS are organized within semi-structured and unstructured communities where the leadership roles are granted according to skills and abilities as much as length of time in the community. The community structures are reminiscent of affinity spaces as defined by Gee (2015/2017).
Reference
Free and open source software. (n.d.) [webpage]. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_open-source_software