THE Software Foundation of Fiji hopes to introduce a new open source software that will make navigating through a standard computer easier.
While introducing the Ubuntu Linux software — a free open source software (FOSS) — at the University of Fiji on Saturday, Software Foundation Fiji founder Prof Rohitesh Chandra said the new system was readily available at no cost.
Prof Chandra said the software was similar to that of the Microsoft Windows and Apple's Macintosh but has an advantage over the two more popular open source software.
Linux has the same features of operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh.
Advantages of Linux are that it is free to use, efficient and free from viruses. Linux in schools and universities will lower the cost of buying expensive software and can be used by government departments and other organisations as well.
Demonstrating the use of the new software, Prof Chandra said Ubuntu Linux had a number of advantages over the two popular open source softwares.
"In the next 5 years, hopefully, the Fiji government can also use this software because it's very efficient and easy to use," he said.
The Software Foundation Fiji (SFF) is an independent non-profit organisation which aims to provide support and awareness in the use and development of software in Fiji.
The major focus of the foundation is on free open source software. The vision of SFF is progress of software and technology with humanity.