May 31, 2001 — Software runs your computer, but what kind of software does your company use? Do you buy software from a company like Microsoft or do you use open-source software? Your organization probably already uses both proprietary software (like the kind from Microsoft) and open-source software. (For more on what software is, see "application software0", right.)

What is open-source software?
Open-source software is built and enhanced through public collaboration. It is free in that it gives the user unrestricted access to the source code. The source code shows how the software works in a language that programmers can understand.

In order to use open-source software, users must agree to a license, which usually includes the ability to run the program, have the source code, change the source code, and distribute it. When you build something with open-source software you have to provide others the opportunity to do the same thing, which is how the software is further developed. Collaboration is also how problems with the software are detected—glitches are more easily detected when many people look at and use the software. However, some licenses restrict users from putting open-source software into proprietary licensed software.

What are the alternatives to open-source software?
Proprietary software is another way of providing your company with software. Unlike open-source software, it is paid for and does not come with the source code. Companies that develop software, like Microsoft, hire programmers to build and fix their software programs. Microsoft’s chief strategist sent out a warning against open-source software, though the company has decided to give their largest clients access to the Windows 2000 source code—as long as they don’t reuse or modify it.

So, open-source means free?
While the software may be free (as in no cost), there are other elements that are not free (as in you pay for them). For instance, corporations must still pay for training and support for open-source products. But the cost is still less than using proprietary software. Companies like IBM and Sun Microsystems offer support packages for open source software users.

Why doesn’t everyone use open-source products?
The concept of open-source software is sometimes hard to understand for those who are more familiar with buying software. Concerns about support and accountability are valid when thinking about using open-source software. But supporters assert that open-source is more reliable because problems can be found and fixed quicker.

The success of the Linux operating systems (a version of the Unix operating systems and a free alternative to Microsoft Windows) has improved the reputation and increased the popularity of open-source development. (For more information see "operating system," right).

There are a range of opinions on the good, the bad and the ugly of open-source development. For more on what skeptics and supporters are saying see the related links below.

Last Updated Saturday, June 21 2003 @ 09:00 PM BST