OSS

Padmaja Purandare
• Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is released under a
license in which the copyright holder grants users the rights to use, study,
change, and distribute the software and its source code to anyone and for any
purpose.[1][2] Open-source software may be developed in a collaborative,
public manner. Open-source software is a prominent example of open
collaboration, meaning any capable user is able to participate online in
development, making the number of possible contributors indefinite. The ability
to examine the code facilitates public trust in the software.[3]

• Open-source software development can bring in diverse perspectives beyond

those of a single company. A 2008 report by the Standish Group stated that
adoption of open-source software models has resulted in savings of about $60
billion per year for consumers.[4][5]

• Open-source code can be used for studying and allows capable end users to
adapt software to their personal needs in a similar way user scripts and custom
style sheets allow for web sites, and eventually publish the modification as a
fork for users with similar preferences, and directly submit possible
improvements as pull requests.
• The principles of open source
• In order to promote collaborative work and the search for solutions, OSS is based on eight
main principles:
• Redistribution: the OSS and its successive modifications can be redistributed.
• Source code: the source code must be included in the program, in order to promote its
distribution.
• Modification: everyone should have access to the source code so that they can easily
modify it.
• Integrity: the software can be used, modified or redistributed under a free license, provided
that the license remains the same.
• No discrimination: whether against persons, groups or areas of activity.
• Non-specificity: the software license should not be product specific.
• No restrictions: the program can be used for any purpose.
• Neutrality: the code must be designed in a neutral way, in terms of technology and design.
• The advantages of open source
• As mentioned previously, it is not limited to software development. This is very
important, because this methodology offers users and designers multiple
advantages:
• The potential for innovation: OSS can continue to evolve infinitely as long as
users have access to it. This makes it possible to continue to find innovative
solutions and to improve the program.
• The formation of a community: for companies, open source software can attract
many developers who want to work on their project.
• Sharing: because it can be freely used, it promotes collective intelligence. This
makes it possible to develop new projects which are relevant and useful.
• Adaptability: because the code is free, it can be adapted to each user.
• Cost: it often costs nothing, or the cost is very low compared to other proprietary
software. However, some work may be needed to ensure that the code meets the
specific needs of a business.
• Security: given it is studied and developed by a wide community of people, it is
easy for anyone to spot and correct errors before they become major issues.
Consequently many believe that OSS is more secure and stable than
closed/proprietary solutions.
Difference between Free Software and
Open Source Software
• Free Software:
• “Free software” means software that respects users’ freedom and community. Roughly, it means that the users have the freedom to
run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. The term “free software” is sometimes misunderstood—it has nothing
to do with price. It is about freedom.
• Advantages:
• Cost: Free software is typically free to use, modify and distribute.
• Freedom: Free software is often accompanied by a set of ethical principles that promote users’ freedom to use, study, modify, and
share the software.
• Collaboration: Free software often encourages collaboration among developers and users, leading to faster development and better
quality software.
• Transparency: Free software is often developed in a transparent way, with the source code and development process available for
public scrutiny.
• Flexibility: Free software can be used on a wide range of platforms and devices.
• Disadvantages:
• Support: While free software does have a community of developers and users, it may not always have the same level of professional
support as commercial software.
• Compatibility: Free software may not always be compatible with other software applications and hardware devices.
• Security: Because free software is available for everyone to use and modify, it may be easier for malicious actors to identify and exploit
vulnerabilities.
• Complexity: Free software can be more complex and difficult to use than commercial software, especially for non-technical users.
• Documentation: Free software may not always have the same level of documentation and user guides as commercial software.
 • Open Source Software:
• Open Source Software is something that you can modify as per your
needs, and share with others without any licensing violation burden.
When we say Open Source, the source code of the software is available
publicly with Open Source licenses like GNU (GPL) which allows you to
edit the source code and distribute it. Read these licenses and you will
realize that these licenses are created to help us.
1. Coined by the development environments around software produced by
open collaboration of software developers on the internet.
2. Later specified by the Open Source Initiative (OSI).
3. It does not explicitly state ethical values, besides those directly associated
with software development.
•
Advantages:

• Cost: Open source software is typically free to use, modify and distribute.
• Customization: The source code of open source software is available to everyone, allowing users to modify and
customize it to suit their needs.
• Community support: Open source software often has a large community of developers and users who
contribute to its development and provide support.
• Transparency: The source code of open source software is open for everyone to see, making it easier to identify
and fix bugs and vulnerabilities.
• Flexibility: Open source software can be used on a wide range of platforms and devices.

Disadvantages:
• Support: While open source software does have a large community of developers and users, it may not always
have the same level of professional support as commercial software.
• Compatibility: Open source software may not always be compatible with other software applications and
hardware devices.
• Security: Because the source code of open source software is available to everyone, it may be easier for
malicious actors to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.
• Complexity: Open source software can be more complex and difficult to use than commercial software,
especially for non-technical users.
• Documentation: Open source software may not always have the same level of documentation and user guides
as commercial software.
 FS Philosophy OSS Philosophy

It was coined by the Free Software Foundation in the In response to the restrictions of free software, the phrase “open
1980s. source” was coined in the late 1990s.

Software is just software. There are no ethics associated directly

Software is an important part of people’s lives.
with it.

Software freedom translates to social freedom. Ethics are to be associated with the people not with the software.

Freedom is a value that is more important than any Freedom is not an absolute concept. Freedom should be allowed,
economical advantage. not imposed.

Every free software is open source. Every open-source software is not free software.

There are many different open-source software licenses, and some

There is no such issue that exists in free software. of them are quite restricted, resulting in open-source software that is
not free.

Open-source software occasionally imposes some constraints on

No restrictions are imposed on free software.
users.

Examples: The Free Software Directory maintains a large

Examples: Prime examples of open-source products are the Apache
database of free software packages. Some of the
HTTP Server, the e-commerce platform Open Source Commerce,
best-known examples include the Linux kernel, the BSD
internet browsers Mozilla Firefox, and Chromium (the project where
and Linux operating systems, the GNU Compiler Collection
the vast majority of development of the freeware Google Chrome is
and C library; the MySQL relational database; the Apache
done), and the full office suite LibreOffice.
web server; and the Sendmail mail transport agent.