Open and Closed Source Operating Systems

Open and Closed Source Operating Systems

Open and Closed Source Operating Systems

What is an Open and Closed source operating system, and how do they compare? Why use an Open source operating system oppose to a closed source operating system?  First, what is an Open Source Operating System? Open Source Operating system is simply, software that is available for use free of charge to the user. So, what is a closed source operating system? A Closed source operating system is owned by a company or person and is usually provided at a cost to the user. 

So, we know that an Open source operating system is offered for free. The source code in an open source operating system is accessible to the user and can easily be modified to meet the users need. In order to use open source operating system the user must accept an agreement before using an open source operating system. Most of the time, the user must agree to certain conditions before. One of these conditions most often included, the user cannot modify, and or alter the software and offer for a profit. So, anyone that alters, modify the code must allow others to do the same to their code. Some more familiar examples open source would be the Linux, Ubuntu, FreeBSD, and OpenSolaris just to name a few. The website thefreecountry.com is a website that contains a directory of free programming, webmaster, and security resources.

Now, a closed source operating can be provided free or for a price. Most often, they are offered for a profit. The source code in a closed operating system is kept private from the users. With a closed source operating system, the development is control by the company itself. There is usually a group of professionals who are paid to develop and maintain the product. The product is most often protect by copyright and cannot be duplicated and sold by other company or person. Some of the more familiar examples of closed source operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and the UnixSolaris...