OPEN SOURCE AND PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE
1. Open Source Application –
Open source software is a computer software whose source code is available openly in
internet and programmers can modify it to add new features and capabilities without any
cost. Here the software is developed and tested through open collaboration. This
software is managed by an open source community of developers. It provides community
support as well as commercial support if available for maintenance. We can get it for free
of cost. This software also sometimes comes with license and sometimes does not. This
license provides some rights to users like.
Software can be used for any purpose
Allows to study how software works
Freedom to modify and improve the program
No restrictions on redistribution
Some examples of Open source software includes Android, Ubuntu, Firefox, Open Office
etc.
2. Proprietary Software –
Proprietary software is a computer software where the source codes are not publicly not
available only the company which has created can modify it. Here the software is
developed and tested by the individual or organization by which it is owned not by public.
This software is managed by an closed team of individuals or groups that developed it. We
have to pay to get this software and it commercial support if available for maintenance.
The company gives a valid and authenticated license to the users to use this software. But
this license put some restrictions on users also like.
Number of installations of this software into computers
Restrictions on sharing of software illegally
Time period up to which software will operate
Number of features allowed to use.
Some examples of Proprietary software includes Windows, MacOS, Internet Explorer,
Google earth, Microsoft Office etc.
