Open source software refers to a software programme that is made
available to the general public, who are free to modify it because
the source code (the way the programme is written) is visible to
all. What often happens is that programmers improve upon the
original code and share the changes free of charge with the public.
Open source software is also known as Free Software, which can
be misleading because the definition of “free” here
strictly means freedom to change and alter, NOT necessarily free of
charge.
Benefits of open source software
With the sharing of software and the freedom of distribution, costs
are kept lower. In most cases the software is free! You can
download open source programmes on just about anything imaginable,
from bookkeeping, microscope image processing, document editing,
typing tutors, audio and video management… the list is
endless. For an extensive list of open source software see these open source software packages.
However, you should also check if they can work with
conventional paid software already installed on your computer!
You will also need to be on guard against bogus representation.
Fortunately, there is a governing body for open source software -
the Open Source Initiative (OSI), a non-profit corporation formed
to educate as well as advocate the benefits of open source. As a
standards body, OSI maintains the Open Source Definition for the
good of the community and creates an atmosphere of trust around
which developers, users, corporations and governments can organise
open-source co-operation.
Open source software refers to a software programme that is made available to the general public, who are free to modify it because the source code (the way the programme is written) is visible to all. What often happens is that programmers improve upon the original code and share the changes free of charge with the public.
