Scribd
Upload
17 views

Computer - Open Source Software

Uploaded by

Chandra Star
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
17 views

Computer - Open Source Software

Uploaded by

Chandra Star
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Page 1 of 2

Computer - Open Source Software


What is Open Source Software?
Software whose source code is freely distributed with a license to study, update and
further distributed to anyone to fulfil a purpose is called open source software. Open
source software is generally a team effort where dedicated programmers improve upon
the source code and share the changes within the community. Some common examples
of Open source software are Linux, Android, and ReactOS.

Significances of Open Source Software


Open-source software is defined as software that is freely available for modification,
usage, and dissemination. The copyright holder offers permission or control over the
source code to anyone who wishes to modify it for next level like to add on additional
functionalities. There are different compelling reasons to share something under an open
source license, ranging from "more perspectives make better software" to "establishing a
standard." It is critical when developing a sustainable project to consider your reasons
for publishing as open source and utilize these as a guide for decision making.

Explore our latest online courses and learn new skills at your own pace. Enroll and
become a certified expert to boost your career.

Characteristics of Open Source Software


Some of the key Characteristics of Open Source Software are as follows −

Flexibility − Experts can make necessary changes in the software as per their
needs.

Stability − Availability of technical experts in the open source community to look


after the software. Hence, users can make the software stable and can be used
for the long term.

Security and Reliability − Since the program is being developed and improved
by a team of individuals. Thus, software is more secure and reliable.

Better Support − Since the program is used by a large number of people,


including developers, businesses, and end users. As a result, to get technical
support is easier.

Types of Open Source Software


Some common types of Open Source Software are as follows −

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/basics_of_computers/basics_of_computers_open_source_software.htm 1/2
Page 2 of 2

Freeware

A software that is available free of cost for use and distribution but cannot be modified as
its source code is not available is called freeware. Examples of freeware are Google
Chrome, Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader, Skype, etc.

Shareware

Software that is initially free and can be distributed to others as well, but needs to be
paid for after a stipulated period of time is called shareware. Its source code is also not
available and hence cannot be modified.

Proprietary Software

Software that can be used only by obtaining license from its developer after paying for it
is called proprietary software. An individual or a company can own such proprietary
software. Its source code is often closely guarded secret and it can have major
restrictions like −

No further distribution

Number of users that can use it

Type of computer it can be installed on, example multitasking or single user, etc.

For example, Microsoft Windows is proprietary operating software that comes in many
editions for different types of clients like single-user, multi-user, professional, etc.

Advantages of Open Source Software


Some of the key advantages of Open Source Software are as follows −

Transparency

Security
Customization

Affordability
Scalability

Interoperable on multiple platforms


Powering the digital transformation

The open-source community

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/basics_of_computers/basics_of_computers_open_source_software.htm 2/2

You might also like