6.03 - Open Source and Proprietary Software

Linux

An example of open source software. A very popular operating system based on UNIX.

3 disadvantages of proprietary software

Can be expensive. May not exactly fit a user's needs. Older versions may not be maintained because companies want people to buy a new version.

3 advantages of proprietary software

Comes with warranty and documentation. should be well tested and stable. Updates should come regularly.

3 advantages of open source software

Free. Can be adapted by users to fit their needs. Problems quickly solved by the community.

3 disadvantages of open source software

Small, less popular projects may not get updates and so can be buggy. Limited or confusing user documentation. No official customer support.

Open source software

Software for which the source code is made freely available. users may legally modify the source code and can share it.

Proprietary Software

Software where only the compiled code (the executable) is released and therefore the source code is not accessible.