Free Computer Software that Delivers, Courtesy of Open Source

When you hear the term "open source," what do you think? If you're software-savvy, your heartbeat may jump and you'll probably check out the new toy, wanting to know if it's available for your computer.

This article is geared primarily to Windows users, as most Linux fans are already familiar with the Open Source community.

WHAT THE HECK IS OPEN SOURCE?

Open Source means precisely what the name implies. Unlike Windows (and pretty much every other expensive software,) which expressly prohibits buyers from trying to hack the program, Open Source developers must make their code available to anyone who buys/uses their software. Part of the Open Source licensing package is an understanding that anyone can modify at will.

Of course the majority of people who use Open Source software lack the technical expertise to rewrite a piece of software. Modifying the program isn't a requirement for use. It's simply okay to do so.

In some cases, updates to an Open Source application may occur daily. Their website will list the versions as their "daily build," a literal description if ever there was one! The daily build is by definition a Beta (or test) version. There's a good chance it may contain bugs. If you're new to the process, look for the download link that says stable version or latest stable version.

A good portion of Open Source software is available for download for free. Regardless of whether free or for pay, however, ALL the associated code must still be made available, as part of their GNU General Public License. The GNU license is the pact that defines Open Source. Under that same pact, if you make any changes/improvements to the software, you have to make the modified coding available, too.

When Open Source software is offered for sale, expect pricing well below the competition. Take Red Hat, the most popular Linux option for servers. A Red Hat Server package with basic support is offered from the Red Hat site at $349*. That's for the latest version, the direct competition to Windows 2005 SQL Server Edition.

Open Source software is varied and often free. The picture shows only a fraction of the software names available through Open Source!

Credit: LeiLani Doornbosch

Copyright: LeiLani Doornbosch