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12 views

Open Source Software

Uploaded by

a-lala a-lala
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Open Source Software

Mohammed Abdul AL Mahdi


Muthanna Muhsin Hashem
DR.RAZEA ASKAR
AZAD KORASGAN
What is Open Source Software (OSS)

Open source software is computer software that has a source code


available to the general public for use as is or with modifications.
This software typically does not require a license fee. There are
open source software applications for a variety of different uses
such as office automation, web design, content management,
operating systems, and communications. The key fact that makes
open source software (OSS) different from proprietary software is its
license. As copyright material, software is almost always licensed.
The license indicates how the software may be used. OSS is unique
in that it is always released under a license that has been certified
to meet the criteria of the Open Source Definition
These criteria include the right to:

• Redistribute the software without restriction.


• Access the source code.
• Modify the source code.
• Distribute the modified version of the
software.
Is it free
Keep in mind that while OSS is usually free there are some exceptions. You
will usually be able to determine what these exceptions are by considering
the total cost of ownership (TCO) involved in adopting and managing
open source software. While the software itself may be free, make sure you
consider the need for additional services or products, as these may have
costs attached (e.g. access to software updates, support services). You
also have to take into account possible switching costs. These costs would
include moving data from an old system to new systems, training costs and
costs involved when switching from one platform to another one (e.g. the
costs of switching from Microsoft Windows to a Linux operating system). If
your business does not have enough information technology expertise, you
may have to outsource outside technical services to provide open source
support or to manage its implementation and delivery.
How Did Open Source Get Started

In the 1970s, proprietary software – i.e. software that did not allow users to
redistribute it, modify it, or access its source code – became the norm. The
development of open source software was a reaction to the fact that
changes or improvements could not be made to proprietary software by
other developers or users. The open source movement started with Richard
Stallman’s general public license model (in the 1980s), which holds that
software should be freely modifiable, with the condition that if you make
improvements to the software, you must put the improvements back in the
open source community. The rationale for the open source movement is
that a larger group of programmers not concerned with proprietary
ownership will produce a better product
Advantages of Open Source Software

Lower Costs: Open source software usually does not require a licensing fee
and its lower cost is generally one of the key reasons why small businesses choose
to adopt this software. Make sure that you consider the total costs of ownership
when considering open source software
Flexibility: A programmer can take a standard software package and modify
it to better suit business needs. You can usually hire a programmer to add a
particular function to open source software
Reliability and Quality: When looking at improved quality, you have to
compare the products themselves. It is impossible to say that open source
software is better than proprietary software in terms of reliability and quality –
both have a range of products. However, mature open source software is
generally viewed to be of good quality and reliability. If your business is not
familiar with open source software, you may only want to review some of the
more mature products (e.g. Linux, Apache)
Advantages of Open Source Software

Reduces “Vendor Lock-in”: If you are using proprietary software you


may be restricted to using certain vendors. Switching vendors in this case
usually involves significant costs. Keep in mind though that choosing an
OSS product may not make you totally independent of vendors. For some
OSS products there may be a limited number of vendors that can provide
you with services, upgrades or security patches
Availability of External Support: External technical support is available
for many of the open source software packages. Some vendors offer
support contracts and there are service providers that install, configure
and maintain an OSS system. Many open source products also have active
online community support that may be able to answer your questions
through online blogs.
Is There a Downside to Using Open
Source Software
Remember when considering the limitations of open source

software, it is important to look at the product individually as each

product can vary in terms of quality and limitations. Some of the

limitations can be overcome with adequate training and service

support
Here are some possible limitations for
you to consider
Lack of Personalized Support. Unlike proprietary software, OSS
packages do not come with phone support or personalized e-mail support.
However, as mentioned there are commercial service providers who will
provide support. If you need a lot of support, consider whether the overall
costs of using an open source product will be higher than that of a
proprietary product
Restricted Choice. There are fewer choices available for open source
software
Speed of Change. Software is being modified on an ongoing basis in the
open source world, which can make it difficult to ensure that the software
is compatible with other applications
No warranty. OSS does not come with a warranty, as there is no single
company backing the product
How Do I Know if a Particular OSS
Application Is Right for My Business
1. How long has the software been around?
Is the software well established? As a general rule, open source software that has been
around longer is more reliable and of good quality. Each open source software application
has a version number. The software may represent the first version or ninth-or more. Mature
OSS software examples - Linux, OpenOffice, and Thunderbird.
2. Are there regular updates, patches and new features?
Open source software that receives regular updates, patches and new features will likely be
less bug-ridden, more secure, and more feature-rich than that which does not

3. Does your company have the skills to install and maintain the
software?
If your company does not have the expertise, there are service providers out there that do.
You should also consider whether staff need training to help use and maintain the software.
(this consideration applies to any type of software).
How Do I Know if a Particular OSS
Application Is Right for My Business
4. Is there commercial support available to help you install and
manage the software?
Are service providers available to provide you with installation and management support
for your software? Two well known specialist OSS organizations that provide support are -
www.redhat.com and www.mysql.com.
5. Are the costs reasonable for the service and support that you might require?
The less technical expertise your business has, the more likely it is that you will need
professional support for your open source software
6. Is there good (active) free support from the online OSS community (e.g.
online forums, blogs)? Can you go online and post a question about the
product?
Be prepared to participate in these forums and answer questions yoursel
How Do I Know if a Particular OSS
Application Is Right for My Business
7. What are the conditions of use for the software?
Take the time to read the conditions for use. Many open source packages use
GNU General Public License
8. Is there documentation available? Is the documentation complete
and coherent? Open source software should have documentation
available with respect to its development history. Are the bug fixes and
feature changes well documented?
Examples of Open Source Software

Operating Systems:
Linux OS
Database
MySQL
Web Design
language PHP

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