Open Source

Open Source VS Closed Source Operating Systems

Robert Marler

Open Source VS Closed Source Operating Systems

Before we can show the difference between open and closed source operating systems we will need to understand what each of the system mean. Let talk first about what a closed source operating systems is where the code that is proprietary and kept secret so other entities, Most of this system are sold for profit. An open source operating system use code that is freely-distributed and available for anyone to use for anyone.

Closed source operating systems as we discuss doesn’t reveal their code so when the code need to be debug the only people who can debug the code is the people that work in the company. Some of the drawbacks for his is the cost to debug the code and time. Also when dealing with closed source operating systems if any exploits are discovered you user will have to wait for a patch sometimes this can take months to get accomplished. Then there the cost of the system you have to pay. The control for closed source systems is in the hands of the people who designed the system because you don’t know the code to make change to it. When dealing with a closed source system the support is depending on who you purchased the system from.

Open Source Systems we discuss that all the source code is available to the public.” Everyone who knows enough programming skills, and is willing to read the source code, can debug it. In fact, this makes the debuggers numerous and worldwide.” (Basha, 2013) When talking about exploits for the open source systems might be vulnerable as well but with the difference being there a lot of help out there to help fix the problem and it could just take days to hours for the patch to be ready to install. When dealing with an open source system the control is in your hands, this helps the community also because if you make change to the systems you can share if it make the system over all run better. There a...