open source

Is open-source software the key to the future of free errorless technology? Microsoft currently holds the vast majority of the market, but can they keep that market share for long? Linux, an open-source software company, would argue that it definitely has the possibility of becoming the world?s leader in operating systems. What exactly is open-sourced software, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? What do the consumers and developers think of this ?revolutionary? idea? As defined by the open-source experts at www.opensource.com there are nine components that separate open-source software (Linux) from proprietary software (Microsoft 2000). First, the license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software. In other words, free distribution. Secondly, The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in source code as well as compiled form. The license must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow them to be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original software.

GPLpedia.com Open Source Software Wikipedia

English: Logo of Centre for Advanced Training in F...

English: Screenshot of Calculator.NET, a Free Open...

The license may restrict source-code from being distributed in modified form only if the license allows the distribution of "patch files" with the source code for the purpose of modifying the program at build time. Fifth and sixthly, there can be no discrimination persons/groups, nor towards specific fields of endeavor. The rights attached to the program must apply to all to whom the program is redistributed without the need for execution of an additional license by those parties. The rights attached to the program must not depend on the program's being part of a particular software distribution. And lastly, the license must not place restrictions on other software that is distributed along with the licensed software. These are the requirements accepted by programmers that distinguish open-source software apart (open-source 1).

Open-source software is known by the...