Open-Source Software

So this week's discussion is on open-source software.

I think the first thing that has to be clarified is 'what is open source software', since a lot of people assume that's 'anything I can legally download for free from the internet.'  

Not true.  Open source software (OSS), is where the source code and programing is shared, so that users can a) contribute to the production process
b) easily make their own alterations to the program.

OSS is almost always free.  This means that OSS tends to be very popular, because it's free or very low cost.   The drawback there is the variability of quality.  There is some OSS I've used myself (OpenOffice, a OSS word processing program), and GIMP (an OSS image editing suite), that are just as good as their commercial counterparts.  And then there's some OSS that's absolutely terrible.

The good side of OSS is the adaptability and flexibility of the software, as well as the cost. Since the software is easily alterable, it can be altered to do many things without the need for buying a different version.  It can also be altered so it works better with other software.  And there are a good many OSS programs out there that are just as good as their commercial counterparts, sometimes better.

However, there are some downsides.

The first is that OSS software, having visible and shareable source code, can be hacked/infected more easily -- if someone makes the attempt.  Most systems do not use OSS software that is easily infectable, so attempts are few and far between, but they are there.
The second is the variable quality.  Some OSS is wonderful.  Some OSS is terrible. 
The third can be in the fine print.  While a lot of OSS programs stay away from the lengthy, legally-worded ELUA (the agreement you have to accept to use/install software), some do not allow comercial use, and there are usually restrictions on resale.  But depending on the mind of the creator, there can be esoteric restrictions as well.