Software Solution Saves Dollars

A growing number of cost-conscious school districts are finding budget relief in low-cost computer software known as “open source” that can do everything from manage school Web sites to equip classrooms for learning.

Administrators cite open-source-related savings of hundreds of dollars per new computer, plus benefits such as reduced exposure to computer viruses and to copyright violations.

Open source refers to software distributed with a proviso that gives anyone the right to dissect, modify, and redistribute or even resell it, on the condition that the people receiving it...