With the invention of the internet, the term open source has become common and a widely used term. It will not be an exaggeration to say that only a few individuals are aware that the term has been in existence even before the invention of the computer. The only difference is that developers were using different terms to express the same reality. As the internet is becoming the arena for interaction, open source is becoming widely used.
The term open source is used to refer to software or a program that comes with a source code which can be used by any other developer. The developer can also modify the source code to suit his need. Normally open source applications or programs are designed as public collaborations. This explains why they are available to the public free of charge. This means that you can download them without spending a dime. A typical example of an open source application which is available for free is Firefox.
The fact that open source applications are available to be used by other developers does not mean that original developer has no right over it. No! This is why open source applications are licensed. The aim of the license is to safe guard the right of the original developer. The license also ensures that there are no restrictions with regard to how the software will be used and also restrictions on who is eligible to use the source code.
The major difference between open source software and other commercial software lies in the above. Commercial software is sold by the developers while the reverse is the case for open source software. The source code here means the language used in writing the program and also the key used in comprehending how the software is run. This source code is available to any individual who has the necessary skills to use it. The person can also modify it to suit his needs. This is why the software under this category is called “open source.” If another developer improves open source software, he has the right to give the software a different name. This is also covered by the license.
Open source started as a program designed by a group of people who have intention of working together in a more concentrated way. This intention is still obtainable. Open source programs are many today. Users of open source have multiple options owing to the number of open source programs that have been developed today. Below are some of the open source programs.
Firefox developed by Mozilla.org
OpenOffice
Babeldoc
Though open source programs are meant to be downloaded free of charge, there are some authors that charge some fee for subscriptions. The fee is not profit oriented. The fee is charged for support, updates as well as for documentation.
You may be wondering what the developers gain from their hard labour. The developers gain nothing other than fame and recognition. They can also gain some money through consultation.