Open Source
Open source software allows for the coding of the software to be shared, viewed and modified by others. It is freely available to the public, and is a great way for software to be modified and improved upon by others
· Source code is available to users
· Usually free ($) or cheap to acquire and use
· Primarily developed by volunteers
· Anyone can modify and customize
· Users have direct input into development
Example
· Operating systems: Linux, (Mac OS X)*
· Web & email servers: Apache and Sendmail/Postfix/Qmail
· Web & db languages: PHP/Perl and MySQL/PostgreSQL
· Automation Tools: Selenium
· Desktop apps: Open Office, Mozilla, gAIM, (eBase)**
Why give Software away?
· Benefit from the previous work of others
· Better software, when others can fix it
· Many hands make light work
Why work for free?
· The good feelings from any volunteerism
· Respect, fame, pride in one's creation
· Actually, not everyone works for free
Open source have practical benefits for all:
· “Better”: More stable, secure, interoperable
· You can make a difference
· Little or no licensing cost, upgrade costs
· Good community support, direct line to developers
· Lower system requirements
· Freedom to change your mind
