What is Open Source Software?
Open Source refers to something people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible, and anyone can inspect, change, enhance it.
Proprietary or closed source software has source code that only the person, team, organization who created it , will maintain control over it.
Only the original authors of proprietary software can legally copy, inspect, alter the software. In order to use proprietary software, computer users must agree (usually by signing a license displayed the first time the software is ran) that they will not do anything with the software that the software's authors have not permitted.
With Open Source software, it's designers make the source code available to others who like to view copy, learn from it, alter it or share it. This also creates freedom because it is free software.
The more open source is taught and used, the cheaper proprietary software and less relevant it will become!
With the right open source software, dual core laptops and desktops between 5-12 years old can run and function as good as a new computer.
Why NGEEC support open source software development:
Programmers have more control over open source software, because it is publicly accessible, students can easily study it as they learn to make better software.
Open source is more secure and stable: programmers can work on a piece of open code without asking for permission from original authors, they can fix, update, upgrade the software more quickly than proprietary software.
Cost is only applied for services and support, never software.
Presently, open source has caught up to proprietary software, and with more funding, and as the learning curve closes, it can surpass it.
©Copyright 2023 North Galveston Epicurean Education Center Inc.