4 of 17

Write now Article Tools

Open source software (also known as OSS) has generated a huge following among its following. Why? Isn't a $300 program better than a $0 program? Actually, it is debatable.

The reason OSS is really popular is that it is free. Free to download, free to use, free to hack, free to redistribute, free to sell, and free to destroy. Programmers love this since they can re-use code in their applications, big companies like Novell and Sun like this because then programmers get interested in their products, and people like you and me like it because it is free to use.

Another reason it is popular is that often, it is better. OSS lets any developer see the code. If he/she sees bugs, or an area of improvement, he/she will often update it. Closed-source software, on the other hand, only has a few programmers, so there are often less ideas.

OSS isn't perfect. After all, there's no product support. If it destroys your machine, you can't get a friendly technical support person on the phone to help you. You have to wade through pages of confusing documents instead.

Is OSS the best route? It depends on the software. OpenOffice.org, for example, is often considered better than Microsoft Office because it has more features for a cheaper (free!) price. On the other hand, N|vu comes nowhere near Dreamweaver in features. Overall, however, OSS is often more powerful, and more friendly to your pocketbook.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Min.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The pros and cons of open source software?
We want to hear your view. Write now!