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Linux: What You Want To Know

Open Source

What is it?

Linux and most of the software that is written for it is open source. For this reason we ought to take a brief look at what "open source" means. In brief, it means that the files necessary to change a program are distributed with the program.

Computer programs are written in a language that is a subset of English. These "source" programs are then converted into the "machine code" that computers can read (but humans cannot). This conversion may be done all at once, which is called "compilation," or it may be done as the program is executing, which is called "interpretation." Most companies selling software provide only the compiled, or computer readable, version of their programs, not the source. People outside the company cannot see exactly how the program works. These programs are called "closed source". Open source vendors distribute the program source (human readable) with the machine code. Therefore, anyone with the skill to read programs can see exactly what the program is doing.

Most open source programs are free, and permission is given by their authors to copy and share their work.

What does "open source" mean to you?

• Fewer Bugs - The program code is available for anyone to fix.
  
  Because anyone can fix the code, security holes are usually closed before anyone has been "bitten."
  
  
• Innovation - New features are developed sooner.
  
  Those who can improve a program can either tell the author just how to do it, or they can do it themselves.
  
  
• Quality - Open Source vendors are more likely to focus on product improvement than on "bells and whistles."
  
  Closed source vendors are mainly interested in getting you to buy their next upgrade. They are more likely to add a new "bell or whistle" than they are to fix a problem -- unless the problem gets a lot of publicity. Open source vendors are often idealistic, wanting to produce the best possible product.
  
  
• Choice - No restrictions to any one vendor.
  
  If a vendor producing a quality product goes out of business, another vendor picks up the product. You may not even notice the switch. Projects started by one vendor may be completed by another. The company that gave us Nautilus went under in the "dot-com bust," but another open source vendor picked it up.
  
  
• Flexibility - Software can be customized.
  
  
  • More Platforms
    
    Open source projects are often ported to multiple platforms. Examples are Apache, PHP and Python. (OpenOffice and PySol are also available for Windows.)
    
    
  • More Languages
    
    Many open source projects are written outside the U.S.A. There is more sensitivity to the need for foreign language support. The fact that Linux will read and write more languages means that more people are (or will be) using Linux.
    
    
  • More Products
    
    Linux is the operating system of choice for "appliance" or special purpose computers. The movie industry is using Linux extensively for animation and special effects projects because it is free to change Linux for their needs. The TiVo box that changes the way you watch TV is a customized Linux computer. The companies that incorporate Linux into their products are able to offer lower prices because they pay no royalties for Linux. These new products sometimes produce spin-off technology that benefits all of us.