What is Open Source Software?
Open source software (OSS) can be defined as computer software for which the source code is made freely available under the Open Source Definition, which is outlined on this page.
This permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. It is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner.
There is now an abundance of Open Source Software available for anyone to download, modify and redistributre at their leisure. Some examples of this software can be found on this page.
Logo for the Open Source Initiative
The history of Open Source Software and it's associated movements and initiatives is long, as is outlined on this page.
What is Proprietary Software?
Proprietary software is computer software on which the producer has set restrictions on use, private modification, copying or republishing. Similar terms include "closed-source software" and "non-free software".
Proprietors may enforce restrictions by technical means, such as by restricting source code access, or by legal means, such as through copyright and patents. Income made by selling Proprietary Software may then be used to develop the software further.
The Debate.
The issue between Open Source Software and Proprietary Software is still controversial. Reports have suggested that adoption of open source has caused a drop in revenue for the proprietory software industry of about $60 billion per year. However the Proprietary Software Industry is still large and growing. Advantages and Disadvantages of each type of software are shown on this page for comparison.
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