Articles

2008-05-24

Open Source Software and You: Part 1

What is it and what's in it for me?

Open source software is more than freeware - it is software which is written under a license which allows access to its underlying programming code.

Note: developing your web application with open source technology does not mean your own proprietary information or logic have to be made open or revealed in any way.

You would be surprised how much source code does for you even if you don't read it.

When the source code for a technology is open it is:

1. virtually impossible to conceal spyware, rootkits or other malicious intents
2. possible for very broad collaboration to improve and update software

The first item is quite unique to open source software.

With the increasing deployment of spyware, not only by hackers but by a growing number of established computer software and hardware vendors as well, you are being watched and monitored like never before. Perhaps that does not bother you. But if it does, you should take a look at open source.

The second item can be seen when patches are released. Updates keep coming down the pike and people who report security flaws become part of the solution. Patches are often released within hours or even minutes instead of weeks.

In future posts we will discuss how open source software relates to both consumers and businesses.