Home
Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Source Software
(10 votes)
If you want to get a free Operating System, go for the Open Source Software. These are specially licensed free applications released by an author or a company and are tailor-made to suit the needs of the users. Open source software development often depends on the joint efforts and contributions of universal users, which could include a host of programmers. Open source development is done for a number of purposes like entertainment, enterprise and ecommerce. The most common open source software that you will come across is phpBB, FreeBSD, Linux and Wikipedia.

Open source software is based on a number of guiding principles. Inclusion of source code, free redistribution, scope for modifications and integrity of the designer’s source code are some of them. The one big plus of open source development is that it makes no discrimination against persons or groups or any fields of profession. In addition, a single license has universal application and it is necessarily technology-neutral. However, open source software may not be entirely free; you must pay for the accessories of download.

The positive side of open source software

The reason open source software development has acquired a significant part of many businesses are many. Here are some of them:
•    The objective of the open source technology is to cut down extra prices that were mandatory with paid software. So, the core software is free which helps online businessmen to invest a much lesser capital.
•    Open source software development is a very flexible process, incorporating the latest features and ideas provided by communities of programmers. This encourages tech-savvy users to implement their own suggestions regarding troubleshooting and enhancements.
•    The best open source software facility is that even when you are running short of funds, you can make valid modifications to suit your ends. You can add a personal touch to the software you apply in your site by introducing minor edits in the software codes.
•    With open source software, you can avail multiple solutions to your problems. In addition, you do not have to depend on the time-constrained supports and upgrades provided by any regular commercial application. You can always apply for help and open source development will ensure that you get it.

The flip side of open source software

The problematical side of open source development crops up when you are not too well acquainted with the codes and do not want to participate freely. Here are the negative results you can face:
•    If you see your projects dying in open source software, you may be bugged and disappointed, but this is a feature not typical to open source software alone. However, if you are too disappointed and are engaged in mutual fights, you may severely hinder progress. The problem with the open source development being free is that people may sometimes bypass responsibility, leaving the software prone to security bugs.
•    Because open source software is based on a collaborative functioning, the entire code base is not always properly audited. Infringement of the code becomes a potential threat to the licensees. They may also suffer because of a lack of warranties or indemnities for intellectual property representations.
•    With commercial software, the services you get may be restricted but the company owes an obligation to provide them to you. This is not so in the case of an open source software. Since you depend on unpaid assistance, you may not get it on time. You might be frustrated when your questions will go unheeded. That may force you to opt out of the open source community and hire professional help.
•    You may also face a severe compromise on quality with most of the open source software. Except some of the best open source software like Linux, a regular check on the code quality and tracking of bugs depend entirely on the discretion of hobbyists. Consequently, many fatal errors and viruses can degrade the financial possibility of open source software.

How does OSS score over proprietary software?

The most advantageous feature is that it allows you to exercise your software engineering skills. You can read, modify, redistribute and administer improvements free of cost. The best open source software until date is Linux that boasts of speedy movements that can outshine any commercial software. With proprietary software, you can hardly dig into the source code. But open code software function on an ‘open’ principle and all you need to handle it some basic technical expertise.

If you are not too inclined upon quality, you will get many advantages with open source software. They are far less expensive than the regular propriety software. Since you get access to the underlying source code, you can think of tackling the programming bugs yourself. There is the least possibility of security hazards with open source software since it enjoys a remarkable clarity with its users. Then, you are free to choose your vendors as you like and not depend on the support contracts.

How open code software functions

Open source software development is based on the idea of community participation that paves the way for free flow of knowledge. Because of this universal software engineering network, the members enjoy a shared insight. This helps to decentralize monopoly of power enjoyed by software organizations. You are free to improvise on the work done by others and not be accountable for that to anybody.

With the development of internet facilities, worldwide communication has reached new heights. In that context, open source software development allows scope for developing a universal collaboration and opens the floodgates of unique possibility. Open source licenses are now being endorsed internationally signifying a rise in the popularity of open source development.
Add as favourites (124) | Quote this article on your site

Be first to comment this article

Write Comment
  • Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article.
  • Personal verbal attacks will be deleted.
  • Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed.
  • Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button.
  • Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
Title:
BBCode:Web AddressEmail AddressBold TextItalic TextUnderlined TextQuoteCodeOpen ListList ItemClose List
Comment:

Code:* Code
 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]

Popular Articles