Earth To Geek

What is Open Source?

The most common usage of the term “open source” when referring to the internet is Open Source Software. Basically, it’s software that allows users to legally modify the code of the software to fit different needs.
One of the best examples of this philosophy is the widely popular browser called Firefox. Literally hundreds of volunteers have contributed to the development of this application, allowing it to grow to one of the most sophisticated and safe browsers available today.

The opposite of Open Source software would be licensed software. Examples of these types of applications would be something Like Microsoft’s Word or Excel. The code that is used to build the software is copyrighted or patented and it is illegal to modify the code by any means.

Some of the main advantages of open source software is that it is typically Free and benefits from the creativity and insight of it’s users. Open source software is also not hindered by the constraints of corporate directives and revenue streams.

Along with it’s advantages, however also come several dis-advantages. The most prominent concern is security. Since the software is free and open to modification by anyone, it also becomes susceptible to the darker side of the web community… mainly hackers and scam artists. However, most professional grade open source organizations or companies do provide a central distribution point for compiling the core product or software, keeping tabs on security concerns and hackers. Another disadvantage of open source software is the typical lack of professional or structured support for the software or application. Since the development is typically done by volunteers, so is the support. Many Open Source software organizations or companies rely on discussion forums, blogs, or newsletters for technical support.

All in all, the rise of open source software is quickly becoming an accepted business practice for professional grade software and applications. Some great success stories and business models of open source include Mysql, PHP, Firefox, and many more.