Final answer:
The statement about open source software being collaboratively developed and freely available is true, evidenced by projects like Linux and LibreTexts, which showcase the impact of open source on technology and education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that open source software is developed collaboratively by a loose-knit team of programmers who agree to improve a software product and make the program freely available to any user is true. Open source communities like the one that developed the Linux operating system illustrate this collaborative effort. The Linux kernel, originally written by Linus Torvalds, rapidly gained popularity due to its free distribution and configurability, leading to a variety of uses in systems including servers, routers, and PCs.
Large organizations and companies have adopted Linux to reduce costs and enhance the performance of their computing systems. Furthermore, projects like LibreTexts embody the spirit of open source by offering freely available educational resources to reduce textbook costs and enhance learning. LibreTexts unites students, faculty, and scholars to create a platform that allows the construction, customization, and dissemination of Open Educational Resources (OER), proving that open source extends beyond software to impact various aspects of education and society.