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This study presents a qualitative and descriptive documentary review aimed at analyzing the role of free and open-source software in higher education through training platforms and research-support applications. The review was based on scientific articles, academic and technical documents, and official websites of free software tools. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, resources were selected that prioritize accessibility, freedom of use, and the pedagogical value of open technologies. The findings reveal a set of learning environments under free licenses widely implemented in universities, characterized by their stability, support from active development communities, and compatibility with open standards that facilitate course management, interaction, and learning monitoring. In addition, several applications were identified that support various stages of academic research, such as reference managers, programming languages, statistical analysis environments, data mining tools, and geographic information systems. Collectively, these technologies enhance institutional technological autonomy, optimize resources, and strengthen teaching and research processes. The study concludes that adopting and systematically training in free software represent a strategic approach to reducing dependence on proprietary systems and fostering more collaborative and sustainable academic practices in higher education.