“Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.” (opensource.org)
So what really does open source mean? Open source refers to a type of software. This software is free. There are no license fees associated with it. Open source software is created by many people all over the world. They create the software for the pure enjoyment of it. They don’t make any money off of it. Yes that may seem odd to most people. Think of a hobby of yours, something you do just because you enjoy it. Whether it is sewing, painting, woodworking, etc. You do it because you enjoy it and don’t make any money off it. This is why people create open source software.
Open source of software has been around for many years. It is really starting to take its place in the business world and the academic world in the past year. It has been slow to become main stream because people were nervous about software that had little control over it. The big concern was security. How could something that had no company backing it be secure? As the software has evolved and proved itself, businesses started to take a second look at it. The bad economy has helped open source software take hold too. Everyone is looking to cut costs and software is very expensive.
There are two types of software – closed source and open source. Closed source is what you buy in stores or online. E.g. – Microsoft Office. Closed source software you are stuck with whatever they give you. You can’t change it. If you want changes you wait and hope they include it in the next release.
There are many advantages to using open source software.
1. Development – It stands to reason that something developed by a vast community will evolve faster than something created by a smaller group. There is no red tape with open source software. Open source software constantly is putting out new versions or fixing any issues. There are new features always being developed.
2. Whether it be workspaces, icons, security settings or anything else, open source will always lead the way when it comes to a custom user experience, for the simple reason that you are legally allowed and positively encouraged to tinker.
3. With access to code, the advanced user can streamline software or add to it while the home user can easily tailor their own software for their custom PC build without infringing on any EULA while they’re doing so.
4. Support – You would think being that there is no company behind the software that support would not exit. Just the opposite is true. You have an entire world of developers eager to answer any questions and help. You post your questions online and normally within a few minutes you have someone working with you.
Examples of open source software:
- Open Office – openoffice.org
- Amberdms Billing System – The Amberdms Billing System (ABS) is a billing system that also provides a number of useful accounting and business management functions. – www.amberdms.com
- Help Desk Software – freehelpdesk.org
- OpenProj – OpenProj is a cross-platform desktop project management application that paints itself as an alternative to Microsoft Project, including file compatibility. OpenProj features Gantt charts, network diagrams (PERT charts) and earned value costing. – openproj.org
Tags: open source, Technology
