Is Open Source Software Similar to Free Software!
Introduction
Concepts and types of softwares and applications principally varied. They present multiple ideas and support many technologies. Users becoming confused between those softwares, they don’t know what to select and which application will support their needs. The idea of open source and free software is causing a huge confusion for IT people. In this article, a simple clearance of the differences will be explained.
Open source
A simple definition of open source is software with source code, which
allows programmers to freely change in the codes according to their needs. And
they can use it for their own purposes. On the other hand they can distribute
it to others to share knowledge.
For deeper understanding
of what open source is, you need to know that open source programs featured with the following freedoms:
- Freedom to run the program, for any purpose
- Freedom to change in the program codes to
reach your needs - Freedom to make copies and distribute to others
- Freedom to restructure the software and release it to the
public. (Chisnall, 2007)
Open source software is always available with zero price, which is
reflecting the reality of source code availability. Open source initiative
developed the open source definition with ten principles for a software to be
considered as open source software, as following:
- Free redistribution – the license must not restrict
any user from selling or giving away the software. - Source code – the software code must be available with
compiled form - Derived works – modifications and distributions must
be allowed in the license the same as the original software - Integrity of the author’s source code – The license
might restrict source code distribution in modified form only if the license
allow the distribution of patch files with the source code to allow modifying
the program at the build time. - No discrimination against persons or groups – The
license must not discriminate against persons or groups - No discrimination against fields of endeavor – The
license must not discriminate anybody from making use of the program in
specific field - Distribution of license – The program rights must
apply to whom the program is redistributed without the need to execute another
license. - License must not be specific to a product – The rights
of the program must not depend on the program’s being a part of specific
software distribution - License must not restrict other software – The license
must not place restrictions on other software that is distributed along with
the licensed software - License must be technology-neutral – No
provision of the license maybe predicated on any individual technology or
style. (Drake, 2017)
Differences between free and open
source
The major
difference between free open source and free software is their approach. Open
source is providing a source code for others to use, while the free software
does not come with open code. It allows you to use the program without paying
money, but you can’t use the source code.
The basic idea
of the open source is that the availability of the code makes better product
with more features and becomes superior. But the free software approach believes
that a program that provides the user with the four freedoms is not superior and
will not be unique from other developed programs at the same basic source code.
(Chisnall, 2007)
Free software programmers
restrict their intellectual property rights to the software and provide the
software on a "take it as it is" basis, in contrast to open source, which
has far less licensing terms limitations and allows users to modify the product
if they so desire. (Golden, 2004)
Open source for successful business
For many
programmers, the importance of Open Source software can be noticed in business
field. A programmer can make a lot of money
through developing free software. But programmer must be clever enough to find
an income producing method that works well with customers.
But keep
in mind, competition among Open Source developers may be even severer than
among profitable ones. This competition can only result in producing better
software, which will ultimately be the real benefit of Open Source. If you
decided to join the Open Source movement, be ready to take advantage of offers
that may come from surprising sources. Just keep an open mind and the
opportunities will come. (Swan, 2001)
Conclusion
In
conclusion, the two softwares are varied with their main approach. Free
Software programmers believe that freedom links to specific value,
but Open Source programmers believe that freedom leads to achieve
superior value. However, both agree that software freedom is very important,
but with different methods.
Related Information
About the Author
Manar Hilal Al-Shaqsi, Ministry of Health, Network and Infrastructure Department, Email :manar.alshaqsi@moh.gov.om, manar.f488@gmail.com
References
Chisnall, D. (2007, March 16). Free Software Versus Open Source. Retrieved from www.informit.com: http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=706208
Drake, M. (2017, October 30). The Differences between Free and Open source Software. Retrieved from www.digitalocean.com: https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/Free-vs-Open-Source-Software
Golden, B. (2004, December 23). The Source of Open Source. Retrieved from www.informit.com: http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=352987
Swan, T. (2001, April 1). Open Source for Open Minds. Retrieved from www.informit.com: http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=21019&seqNum=3
