Overview
The rising popularity of open-source software (OSS) in the computer
world means that more people not necessarily familiar with the concept
might have to develop an understanding in order to operate efficiently
in the computer world, whether it is with OSS or with other options.
The goal of this web presentation is to provide this understanding by
covering the main features of OSS (as well as specific features of major
OSS products), the history of open-source software, the advantages and
disadvantages of OSS, and major examples of open-source programs in
various major sectors of the industry, such as in education, government
functions and activities, as well as personal usage.
But first, what is this concept of open-source software?
Open-source is the basic principle of opening up software for everyone’s
use, and that means two things:
- No cost for using the software
- Open for extensive editing of programming code
Traditionally, most software popular in commercial arenas are not open-source,
they are closed-source. As implied by the contrast in name, these kinds
of software are generally not open for editing at their fundamental
levels (meaning one can’t change the programming code driving
the software’s operations), and they cost money to use.
In contrast, open-source software is generally able to be edited however
one sees fit, and is generally free for use by anyone. Also, if someone
makes a modification of open-source programming code, he or she then
is allowed to redistribute their modification (or even their new program,
should their modifications be that extensive) freely on their own. In
order to keep things fair, there are certain rules and agreements set
up to govern modifications and redistributions, which will be covered
in more depth later.
There are certainly advantages and benefits to using OSS, but there
are also constraints to its usage; also, there are certain inherent
problems with open-source programs. This will be covered more in-depth
in “Pros and Cons of OSS.” Again, also look for information
on the history of OSS as well a breakdown of the detailed features,
as well as several major examples of OSS from various major sectors
of the industry.
Enjoy the website!
—The Mountain View High School TSA Cyberspace Pursuit Team
<Previous Page> <Next Page>