What is Open Source?

• Mistaken For ‘Free Software’

• Not From Paying For The Software

• Considered Free From Payment Of Royalties And Other Fees

• Coding Can be Inspected By Anyone

Examples of Open Source

• Mozilla Firefox (Web Browser)

• Open Office (Office Suite)

• Linux (Operating System)

Examples of Commercial

• Internet Explorer (Web Browser)

• Microsoft Office (Office Suite)

• Macintosh/Windows (Operating System)

Advantages Of Open Source Software

• Reliability - less bugs, errors and security issues.

• Stability - how beneficial the software will be in terms of compatibility, ease of use and the likeliness of an issue or problem arising

• Auditability - source code is available for inspection and viewing to anyone with access to the software/internet.

• Cost - could potentially be free, less need for antivirus and third party software

• Freedom – Not tied down to one software, no strategies to keep you locked in

• Flexibility – Compatible due to old formats being turned into newer versions

Disadvantages Of Open Source Software

• Project May ‘Die’ – Funding may cease to exist, investors may back out

• Support Issues – Charge money for support should any bugs/problems arise

• Compatibility – Issues when trying to optimise the software to work on computer

• High Support Costs – Charged for services including install support, troubleshooting, repairing bugs etc.

Motivation of The Open Source Product Creators

• Personal Fulfilment

• Vision

• Sharing A Common Goal

• Using Latest Technology

• Experience

• Meet New People With Same Ambitions

How and why Open Source Software Exists

• Combat Commercial Competitors - Do not like high prices charged for similar software

• Motivation Of Sharing Common Goal – Working in a team to reach a common goal

• Fame – Create a following and gain popularity to make a brand

• Raise Extra Income – Another source/means of income for the developer

• Investments – Gain the interest of business venture capitalists and sponsors

• Branding – Create a brand for the software so that it is in the market

• Conference Speeches – Deliver speeches for the followers at various conferences

Who Funds Open Source

• Sponsorships – Investors may see it as potential business success

• Services - Bugs, Troubleshooting, Install Support, etc all fixed at a price

• Hardware Embedded – Selling devices with the software built into them

• Donations – Made by followers and various members of the public to help make the software expand

Open Source And Developing Countries

• Use Open Source As Alternative – Substitutes for commercial software

• Less Disadvantage – Able to do as the rest of the world can

• Developers Still Benefit – Still generate revenue

• Portray Positive Image – Allowing poorer communities have similar privileges as the richer ones

• Requires Good Infrastructure And Internet Speed

• High Costs if Problems Occur (As mentioned on previous slide)

Opinions And Evaluation Of Open Source Software

• Everyone Benefits

• Can Be Used As A substitute/Alternative

• Unable To Download Without Internet Speed

• Less Disadvantaged Compared To Rest Of The World

• Fair To Charge Money For Income To Expand

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