What does open source mean?
Besides Linux, Mozilla (Netscape browser core), Apache
(Web server), PERL (Web scripting language) and PNG (graphics file format) are
all examples of very popular software that is based on open source
Most software that you buy or download only comes in the
compiled ready-to-run version. Compiled means that the actual program code that
the developer created, known as the source code, has run through a special
program called a compiler that translates the source code into a form that the
computer can understand (see How C Programming Works for details on compilers).
It is extremely difficult to modify the compiled version of most applications
and nearly impossible to see exactly how the developer created different parts
of the program. Most commercial software manufacturers see this as an advantage
that keeps other companies from copying their code and using it in a competing
product. It also gives them control over the quality and features found in a particular
product.
Open source software is at the opposite end of the spectrum.
The source code is included with the compiled version and modification or
customization is actually encouraged. The software developers who support the
open source concept believe that by allowing anyone who's interested to modify
the source code, the application will be more useful and error-free over the
long term.
To be considered as open source software by the software
development industry, certain criteria must be met:
The program must be freely distributed (It can be part of a
package that is sold though, such as Red Hat has done with Linux in the example
below).
Source code must be included.
Anyone must be allowed to modify the source code.
Modified versions can be redistributed.
The license must not require the exclusion of other software
or interfere with the operation of other software.
Let's take a look at a real world example of open source
software. In 1991, Linus Torvalds, a student at the University
of Helsinki in Finland
A common concern for end-users who wish to use open source
software is the lack of a warranty and technical support. Because the software's
license encourages modification and customization, it is nearly impossible to
support. This is why Red Hat Software, founded in 1994, created the
"Official Red Hat Linux" and is able to sell this normally
"free" software. The main value that Red Hat adds to the package is a
warranty and technical support. For most businesses, the assurance of technical
support has been a key factor in the decision to buy Linux instead of simply
downloading it for free. In addition to Red Hat, there are several other companies
that have packaged Linux, usually with additional software, for resale.
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