10 things to know about open source software

TipsMake.com - Previously, the concept of using open source in an enterprise environment was unimaginable , no matter what the size of the business was. However, time has changed and open source has been no longer underestimated. In fact, open source is often mentioned first whenever a solution is needed. However, it is worth mentioning that when you think about open source, you need to know some things. If you think more carefully, there are some surprises waiting for you.

With the aim of helping open source users stay alert, we think it will be helpful to list some things people should know about open source before using it.

1: Not just Linux

This is where most people often meet. Every time when it comes to open source, people often think of Linux first. This leads to public opinion that open source code is only for Linux. However, this is not true. There are many open source projects that support multiple platforms or only support Windows. This page will list many open source software for Windows. However, this site does not include some popular software, such as Apache, MySQL and Drupal.

2: Not always free

To be an open source software, its source code must be open to everyone. However, this does not mean that the application itself is free. In fact, there are many companies that make money from open source projects. In many cases, prices are charged for extra features or features, but they often create a free version for the community. When a company sells a community version, it is usually a shortened version, the basic version of a commercial (but still open source) product. A great example we can mention is Zimbra, a powerful email and collaboration tool that is available for free, open source with another paid version (with more features).

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3: It may be and is not supported

Some open source software cunug the option to support (sometimes at a reasonable price) and some software does not. This is often the outside contract of large companies. However, even if some software does not have 24/7 hotline support to call whenever there is a need, it does not mean that they do not have support. Sometimes, there are forums or email lists to support. In some cases, you can also contact the person who programmed (or worked with) the software. The choice of support is definitely there - even if support is not compatible with the thinking of the business.

4: Users have full access to the source code

Although this does not apply to ordinary users, we still list it to ensure that users can fully understand the possibilities. In fact, open source means you have full access to the source code of a software. This does not mean that you need access to the source. This is a rumor that has been around for a long time. Just because the code is there and open doesn't mean it's necessary. In fact, users can use open source software all their lives and do not need to touch its code. However, every time you or your company needs to make some edits to an application, this application's code is always open for you.

5: Source code is not just for programmers

A lot of people think that because of the nature of open source, only developers use it. Is the source code available? Is the openness of the code mean that only those who know how to read, edit and rebuild the code can and should use it? Not. Anyone can use open source software with or without software editing and rebuilding skills. One thing is for sure, most open source users do not have the programming language skills.

6: Not breaking the law when using open source

Thanks to SCO, people used to assume that using open source is illegal. However, all changed when SCO was removed. The use of open source software does not violate any intellectual property laws. So you can freely use open source and not be convicted of breaking the law.

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7: No need to be an expert to use it

This relates to the previous entry. Follow me: I don't need to be a computer expert to use open source software. There's an old question: ' Do you have to write your own driver to use it? . The answer has long since, No. A lot of people still think that open source software is for professionals who can program software even when sleeping. Reality is not so. In fact, for most open source projects, now you don't need to install from source. Most platforms have a binary installation for the purpose of adding open source software to the computer as easily as installing separate software. In some cases, it is even easier. And the use of most open source software is similar. Open code has developed in the opposite direction compared to ordinary computer users. As the 'smart' level of computer users decreases, the ease of use of open source software increases.

8: Most open source software is as reliable as other software

Open source software everywhere. It is available on Download.com.vn, Download.com, on the Android Market, in any Add / Remove Software tool released by Linux, from sites around the world, . anywhere you can think. If you search on Google, you can see them. There are many pages dedicated to open source software on some specific platforms and even Microsoft also dedicated a page for open source. Open source has come a long way from its original roots, when finding an opponent for a copyrighted software is like finding a needle in a pile of straw. Now the straw has gradually shrunk and the needle is much larger.

9: Free software and shareware are not the same as open code

Most users are familiar with free software and shareware. These two types of software are not the same as open codes. If the source code of the software is not open, this software is not open source software.

10: Sure you are using open source software

Are you using Firefox browser? If so, you are using open source software. In fact, many people are using open source software without being aware of this. OpenOffice, Thunderbird, Pidgin, Drupal, WordPress, GnuCash, Notepad ++, and many other software are widely used. That's not to mention the small part of open source has somehow found its way into proprietary software.

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A trend is growing strongly

Open source software has no bad reputation that has been associated with it since the beginning. Many open source applications are now rated on or superior to their peers. We all hope this trend continues to grow, especially as more and more users move from traditional desktops to cloud solutions or virtualization.
If you are considering using open source software, there are things you should know and there are very few things you need to know. Equipping yourself with standard information, your use of open source software is no longer a hassle and worry.