Definition
Open Source Software (OSS) is computer software that is delivered with its source code allowing users to change, improve, and redistribute the software.
- The Open Source Initiative is a community-recognized, public benefit corporation that reviews and approves licenses that conform to the Open Source Definition.
- According to the Open Source Initiative, the criteria for open source software is the following:
- Free- redistribution
- Source code inclusion
- Allowed derived works and modifications
- Integrity of authors source code
- No discrimination of groups or people
- No discrimination against fields of endeavor
- Distribution of license
- License must not be specific to a product
- License must not restrict other software
- License must be technology-neutral
History
- In the 1960’s, when computers were first starting to be sold large-scale, the software that came with the computers were free, came with source code, and could be modified.
- By the mid-1970’s, proprietary computer software was not allowed to be redistributed, did not have source code, and was not capable of being modified.
- During the late 1970’s and 1980’s the open source movement grew primarily by several isolated groups.
- During the 1990’s there was even more of a push towards open source. Some of the open source software that was developed during this time was:
- Currently, many companies, both large and small, are producing open source software, leading some to believe we may be seeing a new model of the software industry.
- Links
Myths
The following are some myths about OSS:
- OSS undermines intellectual property
- OSS is more prone to claims of intellectual property infringement
- OSS does not provide warranties against intellectual property infringement
- GNU general public license is risky because it has not been tested in court
- Making your source code available to some people is the same as OSS.
- OSS does not produce innovation.
Read more about OSS and the myths
Open Source Software vs. Closed Source Software
- What is Open Source?
- Community of software engineers work together on the software
- Software and source code are available for free
- What is Closed Source?
- Also called “commercial software”
- Software is owned by someone or some organization
- Software is distributed by a variety of retail stores
- Source code is not included
- Open Source Pros:
- Secure platforms
- More applications
- Financial incentives
- Quicker bug patches
- Closed Source Pros
- More secure
- Cleaner applications and products
- Links
- Also see Open Source vs. Free Software
Open Source Software in Practice
Here are some links to how Open Source Software is being used in various industries:
Education
Business
Health Care
Military
Government
Future of OSS
Why the Future of Open Source Software Looks Bright:
- Makes economic sense- Lower Total Cost of Ownership
- Encourages innovation
- Some hostility towards large corporations (example: Microsoft)
- Increasingly excepted, more mainstream
Predictions
- Open Source offering more Add-ons
- More businesses will take advantage of free software
- Linux pushes into mainstream
- Open source advances as cloud computing advances
Links
More Useful Links
- Source Forge- World’s largest open source software development and distribution site.
- Open Source Mac- A simple list of free, open-source software from Mac OS X.
- Osalt.com- Open Source Software alternatives to well-known commercial software.
- Lifehacker- Best Open Source Software.
- Downloadpedia- Up-to-date list of the best Open Source Software.
