A basic definitioin for "open source" (also sometimes referred to as "free software") is the development method used for many pieces of software, where the source is freely available for anyone to work on, or modify, or learn from, or use in other projects (ArmLinux, 2008).
The idea behind open source is that any programmer can utilise and build on the software for free. One of the main benefits is that many developers use, modify and build on the source code so the software evolves very quickly (Butterfly Internet, 2008). Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.
Some consider Open Source as a set of principles and practices that promote access to the design and production of goods and knowledge. Some consider open source as one of various possible design approaches, while others consider it a critical strategic element of their operations. Before open source became widely adopted, developers and producers used a variety of phrases to describe the concept; the term open source gained popularity with the rise of the Internet, which provided access to diverse production models, communication paths, and interactive communities (Wikipedia).
Examples of Open Source:
According to the Open Source Initiative the distribution terms of open-source software must comply with the following criteria:
- Free Redistribution
- Source Code
- Derived Works
- Integrity of the Author's Source Code
- No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups
- No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor
- Distribution of License
- License Must Not Be Specific to a Product
- License Must Not Restrict Other Software
- License Must Be Technology-Neutral
Commercial/Proprietary Software
Proprietry software is in some ways the complete opposite to Open Source. It is basically any computer software with restrictions on use or private modification, or with restrictions judged to be excessive on copying or publishing of modified or unmodified versions. The term proprietary software is thus the antonym of free software, generally speaking. These restrictions are placed on it by one of its propietors. Other terms used to describe this concept include "closed-source software" and "non-free software" (Wikipedia).
These restrictions are enforced by either legal or technical means, or both. The most common form of technical restriction is by releasing programs that are only computer-readable (for example, in binary format), and withholding the human-readable source code. Means of legal enforcement can involve copyright (with a restrictive software licence) and patents. The source code of such programs is usually regarded as a trade secret by the owner. Access to source code by third parties commonly requires the party to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Examples of Proprietary Software:
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