Assess open software
Check tool suitability
Ensure the software is suitable for your research by identifying its main characteristics and features. Will it meet your needs and do you have the skills to use it?
Consider the elements listed below to determine how useful ORS will be for your research:
Check website documentation, the program's "About" pages and the licence or licence file in the code repository.
- Does the licence let you use the tool the way you want?
- Can you release a modified version of the software?
For example: Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) has a General Public License (GPLv2) license, which means that a modified version of the tool can only be distributed under a compatible GPL.
Check the project's website and what software is supported by the our training resources and at other providers such as LinkedIn Learning or Queensland Cyber Infrastucture Foundation (QCIF) training. Is there:
- documentation available for the entire process?
- community or commercial support available?
- training available?
For example: Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) has QGIS documentation, training, and commercial contractors offering QGIS support.
Check the public code repository (e.g. GitHub, Gitlab).
- Does the project seem active?
- Are there code contributions, issue reporting, or releases of maintenance versions?
For example: Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) is continually active, with weekly code contributions listed on GitHub.
Check terms and conditions of use for cloud-based tools, web services for data analysis or third party data providers for the tool.
- Where is the data stored or processed?
- Does the storing of data meet privacy requirements?
For example: Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) is a desktop application that does not rely on web services for processing data.
Check the project's website for a donation page or acknowledgement of support from governments, universities, institutes, or businesses.
- How many contributors drive project development?
- Is the project made sustainable by financial and institutional support?
For example: Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) lists several hundred code contributors on GitHub. The project website lists numerous active financial supports.
Check keyword searches in databases.
- Has the tool been cited in the literature?
For example: Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) has citations in hundreds of publications in Web of Science (requires UQ login).
Check for a "release history" or "changelog" on the project's website. Wikipedia can be checked for when software was first released.
- How long has the project been active?
For example: Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) was originally released in July 2002.