The Clarkson Open Source Institute (COSI) was founded in the fall of 2001 to promote free and open source software (FOSS) and provide equipment and support for student projects. The COSI Laboratory is a Linux-based, student maintained computer lab that serves as a development environment and meeting space for students involved in Open Source projects. The lab is also used for teaching Computer Science, and is open for public use during much of the work week.