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| image: Bill McConkey |
What is Open Source?
I have talked about Open Source before but I will quickly redefine it here. Open Source refers to software where the source code is shared to the public. This means that anybody can access the code, make changes and release the results themselves. While this began as a type of software licensing it quickly evolved into a way of life for people like myself.
I became fed up with traditional software programs. Programs that cost $500 simply because they could. I soon found that Open Source software was highly competitive as far as the feature set but more often then not was completely free to download and use. Programs like Photoshop, Dreamweaver and even Windows itself could be replaced with an Open Source alternative.
Open Source put simply means to share. Share your resources so that others may stand on your shoulders. This leads to better options and features for everyone. In addition to forcing to big players to work harder and adapt faster to keep their market share.
It's Quick to Adapt
This is my favorite part of Open Source. Unlike proprietary software which is usually developed and updated by a small number of people, Open Source uses the power of crowd sourcing to develop extensions, additions and updates which can repair bugs and often keep to development cycles that would bankrupt a software company. This leads to software that evolves at such a fast rate that certain Open Source packages are becoming equal to or better than their proprietary counterparts.
It's Uncomplicated
Let say you are in charge of installing and updating the operating systems on the computers in your school. If you were to use Windows or Mac you would have to work purchase a volume license in order to install and activate the OS on all the systems. The same must be done with all programs that require a license to activate. Anyone who has experienced this could explain what a headache this can often turn into.
With Open Source this isn't necessary. Simply install the program and it is ready to run. On Linux (a popular Open Source Operating System) there are simple methods to install many applications through the command line, which would allow an administrator to quickly and efficiently install and update programs with little frustration.
It's Fun
I've always had a sense of adventure when it comes to technology. I like experimenting with new technologies and trying then out for the first time. With many proprietary programs I am forced into using a feature crippled trial version or a version that is only usable for a limited amount of time. With Open Source software I can try as many programs as I like. If I don't like it I simply uninstall it and try something else. This satisfies my sense of adventure because it allows me to experiment without having to break the bank.
It's Free!*
Most Open Source software is free. There is an asterisk next to this one because not all of the software is free, however so much of it is free it deserves a mention. Open Source is often free because with public access to the programs code anyone could compile and release the program free of charge, thereby undercutting the developers revenue. While selling Open Source software is perfectly fine within the scope of the Open Source guidelines, it is often looked down by the more strict adherents to the Open Source philosophy.
Again, I love Open Source. It is easy, fun, free and quick to adapt. I use Open Source whenever the opportunity presents itself and apply the same Open Source guidelines to many other aspects of my life. If you take the time to try out Open Source software most of you will not be disappointed. You can find some links to the more popular Open Source programs and programs below. Try one of them out and let me know what you think in the comments.
Ubuntu - Currently the most popular Open Source operating system available.
Linux Mint - Another widely used Open Source operating system.
Android - A very popular phone OS release by Google
FireFox - One of the most popular Open Source programs available.
LibreOffice - An Open Source replacement for Microsoft Office.
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