What are the features of open source software?

Answer 1

Developing software using an open-source model is becoming increasingly popular. The main advantages that open-source software has over proprietary (closed-source) software are:

* Lower development cost. Individuals and smaller companies may aid in developing the software, reducing the number of programmers you have to pay yourself. * Bug detection and correction. With more people viewing your code from more diverse backgrounds, bugs will be found and fixed faster. This is often referred to as "Linus' Law": 'Given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow." * Reuse of code and shorter development time. Code from an older or different project can be incorporated into your new project, reducing the time it takes to create and develop it. * More independence. With a closed source project, you will have great problems if the developer goes out of business and you need your software updated or fixed. With the code open, any company can step in to fill the void. There may be some disadvantages to open-source software from a development perspective, though rarely any from the end-user perspective. The main problems are:

* Disclosure of trade secrets. Having the code for a program available implies revealing how it works. This includes disclosure of algorithms and how a device with a unique design might function. Revealing this information to others may cause duplication and loss of financial advantage. * Loss of revenue through traditional sales. If the source is available, then it is unlikely that consumers will pay a large amount for a CD or license. Revenue must instead be garnered through support agreements and OEM customization.

Answer 2

Open source and commercial software are not opposites.

The advantage of commercial software is, that it is supported and maintained by somebody (a company) that one can call.

Open source software has the advantage that the code can be inspected and further developed by anyone wanting to improve it, either for his own (business) purposes or for the general good.

Some companies such as Red Hat, Novell and JBoss (part of SUN/Oracle) distribute open source software in a commercial way. Hence my statement that open source and commercial software are not opposites.

Opposites would be:

Open source versus closed source

Commercial software versus free software

It is often thought that open source software is free (as in: free beer) but this is not necessarily so.

Answer 3

no limitations at all. Free and cool. nice. However, the pros are better.

The feature of open source software:-

(1). free redistribution :- the license of open source software specify that any user or any group can modify the source code of any software and redistribute it .

(2). source code :- the license of open source software specify that the source code of any open source software must be include with the program and allow distribution in source code as well as in compiled form .this license will not allow any user or any group to distribute the compiled form of their work only.

(3). derived work :- Any person can improve ,modify and derive any new software out of any existing open source software under the term of gnugpl license and redistribute it under the term and condition of same gnugpl license.

(4). no discrimination against any person or group of persons :- The license of the open source software must not restrict the use of software to any particular user or any particular group.

(5). no discrimination against any field of endeavour :-the license of open source software (OOS) must not restrict anyone from making the software of specific field of endevour(i.e. the license must not deny any user or any group form making the software for a particular use by making the use of open source software(OOS) ).

(6). the license must not be product specific :- the license of the open source software must be specific for any product or software. this license equally applies on all the open source software(OOS).

(7). the license must be technology neutral :- the license must not be specific for any particlar interface or machine or any particular configuration of hardware.

Answer 4

Various business industries are using open source software such as Ephesoft, Kolab, Xaraya and many more. Such open source software are usefule for following reasons -

Reliability

Security

Choice

Fast deployment

Lesser hardware costs

High-quality software