Open software and proprietary software
Open source software is given away with its source code
Open source software is software where the source code is made freely available . Users may legally modify the source code to create their own software, which can be shared under the same licence and terms as the original software.
Examples GIMP, VLC
Linux is a hugely successful open source OS
Disadvantages of open source software
Advantages of open source software:
It is free.
Made for the greater good, not profit- benefits everyone, encourages collaboration, sharing of ideas.
software can be adapted by users to fit their needs.
more creative and innovative.
popular software os very reliable and secure.
small projects may not get regular updates.
have un-patched security holes.
limited user documentation.
No warranties if something goes wrong.
No customer support.
companies using open source code may not want competitors to see their source code, but they have no choice.
Proprietary software is closed source software
Proprietary software is software where only the compiled code is released. The source code is usually a closely guarded secret. - compiled code is the final file so it doesn't tell you how the program was made.
Proprietary software licenses restrict the modification, copying of the software. its usually paid for.
Big companies producing proprietary software include Microsoft, adobe, photoshop.
businesses often use proprietary software.
Advantages of proprietary software
Disadvantages of proprietary software
can be expensive.
Comes with warranties, documentation and customer support
paid for
reliable and updates will come regularly.
cheaper for companies than developing their own custom-built software.
software may not fit a user's needs, and they can't do anything about it.
the company would want the customers to buy the latest software so they won't maintain the older software warranties expire.