Dr. David Thornburg's new book, When the Best is Free: An Educator's Perspective on Open Source Software, examines free software programs that run equally well on nearly any current operating system found in schools today.

The book recommends hand-picked titles that work the same on Windows, Linux, and Macintosh platforms. The selected programs cover tasks that range from simple document creation to the design and implementation of online courseware. All of the titles allow teachers to copy and distribute the programs for home use by every student at no charge.

When the Best is Free is available for $24.95 from the Thornburg Center. The Center also offers staff development programs for open-source software that focus on specific curricular areas and effective pedagogical models.

The Thornburg Center, tcpd2020@aol.com.