What is difference between Open Source vs Closed Source Software

We are Sure Most Of You Guys Think, Open Source Software Is free, and Closed Source Software is Paid, To Remove This Misconception We’ve Have Created This Article, To Clear You Confusion, You Have To Read Till End.

First Of All, It’s Not Mandatory That Every Open Source Software is Free, And Every Closed Source Software is Paid.

What’s the Difference Between Open Source and Closed Source Software?

If you don’t live and breath computer technology like we do, “open source” might just be another buzz word to you that doesn’t mean much of anything. But if you’re a business owner purchasing software that enables core business operations, it’s very important indeed.

Technology research firm Gartner Inc. predicts that 85% of commercial software packages will include open source components by 2015 and that 95% of IT organizations will be using open source software in some fashion.

Should you be doing the same? What’s the difference between open source and closed source software? And what are the disadvantages and advantages associated with the two different types?

What’s the Difference Between Open Source and Closed Source Software? Let’s Explain.

What is Closed Source Software?

Source code is the code written by computer programmers to be “translated” by compilers to “instruct” a computer to carry out certain functions and actions. It’s the part of the software that a surface-level user never sees. By altering a program’s source code, programmers can improve, fix, modify, or add on to it as they please.

With closed source software, the source code is closely guarded, often because it’s considered a trade secret that creates scarcity and keeps the organization competitive.

Such programs come with restrictions against modifying the software or using it in ways untended by the original creators, and in fact, one could say you’re not actually purchasing the software but are just paying to use it.

What is Open Source Software?

Open source is nothing new, even if it is a new topic of discussion. In fact, the internet was built using open source tech, meaning that we wouldn’t even be here having this conversation if it didn’t exist.

In principle, open source software means the source code is made available on a universal level.

There are some variations on this – some producers do restrict who can access or modify the code – generally, however, the idea is to open up the software to the public, creating a mass collaboration that results in the software being constantly updated, fixed, improved, and expanded on.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that OSS is always free. Many software creators release their programs free of charge but then make very good money selling services and support.

General Example: Android As it is open source, Still it’s not free, After all, Third Party Companies Like Samsung, And Other Manufactures have to pay some amount to google, Then The Third party gets the source code of the program, and license of the program, as the Company has got license, Now they can make changes to that program, and make it look more attractive, or can do whatever they want.

Which Type of Software Should You Use for Business Purposes?

Let’s start with the most obvious – open source is cheaper, given that it typically comes free. Not only does this save you start-up costs but it helps you avoid vendor lock-in, which can often result in increasing costs over time.

On top of that, you have the freedom and flexibility to actually change the software if you want by diving in and engaging with the community – or, if the usage rights allow, you can just make changes in-house. You’re not held to some company’s vision, which is most often driven by profit rather than what is necessarily best for the industry or your company.

Counter-intuitively, open source often means higher-quality since more people are concerned with the integrity of the code and constantly monitor and improve it; the power of this collaborative effort is a hallmark discovery of our age. Many people feel open-source software is more secure for the very same reason.

Finally, open source is constantly updated. It doesn’t deteriorate in quality as time goes by, which often happens with proprietary software, and you probably don’t have to worry about it becoming obsolete.

All that said, closed source software does come with advantages as well.

If you purchase closed source software, for example, the company who sold you the package generally takes care of all bugs and support issues. If something goes wrong, and you determine it is caused by the software rather than some of type of misuse, you submit a ticket and wait for the team to take care of it for you.

With open source, on the other hand, getting to the bottom of things may take considerable more effort, especially if you’ve made changes to the code in the specific program that you’re running.

Even if you haven’t, there probably won’t be a 24/7 support team waiting to assist you, and you’ll either need to bring in an expert or spend a lot of time digging through support forums and documentation, trying different fixes until you get it right.

Documentation for closed source programs will be provided in a well put-together format, while with OSS it will be less organized and available – you may have to hunt down instructions on how to use it through various videos, slide shows, and websites online.

Finally, it will be clear what you can and cannot do with a closed source program. Those rights may be very limited, but they leave no mystery.

The varying degrees of rights and responsibilities with open source can often be very confusing; you may even be breaking the terms of use if you make changes to the program without sharing with the rest of the community.