Open / Closed Sources

Open/Closed Sources

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Open/Closed Sources

Open Source

Open source operating systems can be defined as free software developed by individuals or corporations to develop an alternative to not having to rely on any one company for their software needs. “There have been a few cases where open software has been sponsored to act as competition where another company has been seen to abuse its monopoly position.” (Grant, 2004)

An example of an open source operating system would be Linux. Linux is a joint effort in that no one developer is responsible for its development or on-going support. Developers involved in Linux development share R&D costs with others.

“Over 1,000 developers, from at least 100 different companies, contribute to every kernel release. In the past two years alone, over 3,200 developers from 200 companies have contributed to the kernel--which is just one small piece of a Linux distribution.” (What is Linux: An Overview of the Linux Operating System, 2009)

Closed Systems

Closed source operating systems can be defined as a pay for service system with its source code left inaccessible. There are many closed source systems in use. Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X operating systems are closed source. Today the most widely used operating systems on personal computers will be a closed source.

Conclusion

Aside from the different principles involved in choosing an open or closed source operating system, there are some major differences between the available systems for users. If you are relatively new to computers then closed source software would be the software of choice, as training costs and becoming competent in the system will exceed the cost of buying the easier to use closed source software. “However, with mobile computing, the use of open source platforms is exposing these technologies to new users.” (Smith)

References

What is Linux: An Overview of the Linux Operating...