OpenCD

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}

{{Infobox Software

| name = OpenCD

| logo =

| screenshot = OpenCDv07.02.png

| caption = OpenCD splash screen

| collapsible =

| author =

| developer =

| released =

| discontinued = yes

| latest release version = 7.04

| latest release date = {{start date and age|2007|04|28}}{{cite web

| url = http://www.releases.theopencd.org/

| title = Open CD releases

| website = releases.theopencd.org

| access-date = 2021-04-22

}}

| latest preview version =

| latest preview date =

| programming language =

| operating system = Microsoft Windows

| platform =

| size =

| language =

| genre =

| license = Open source

| website = {{URL|http://www.theopencd.org}}

}}The OpenCD project is a discontinued open-source project aimed to introduce users of Microsoft Windows to the benefits of free and open-source software (FOSS). It is a CD image that can freely be downloaded and copied. The OpenCD team screened programs for stability, quality, and ease of installation, and only distributed programs available under an OSI-approved open-source license,[https://web.archive.org/web/20040702113350/http://theopencd.sunsite.dk/criteria.php TheOpenCD Software Inclusion Criteria] which allows users to freely use and distribute the disc as they wish. It was sponsored by Canonical Ltd., for a period.

The project was started in April 2002 in response to an article on linux.com by astrophysics student Henrik Nilsen Omma.[http://www.linux.com/feature/22405 An idea for Free Software CD] by Henrik Nilsen Omma, April 20, 2002.

In September 2007, project lead Chris Gray left the project to pursue his own open-source disc, called OpenDisc, citing numerous difficulties[http://www.chrisgray.me/2007/09/mutiny-aboard-the-good-ship-theopencd Mutiny aboard the good ship TheOpenCD], September 27, 2007. which he believed were negatively affecting the progress of the OpenCD project. As of September 27, 2007, the OpenCD project is no longer under active development.[http://www.theopencd.org OpenCD homepage], September 27, 2007.