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Open Source Software (OSS) |
Firstly for the truly unknowing, what is Software? |
| Software is computer data that turns switches on & off (millions to trillions of tiny switches). Everything you do on a computer is controlled by software & Open Source Software is just software. Enough switches organised correctly allows a software program to fulfill its functions |
Software is Source Code or Object Code? - WHAAA... |
| The source code is the somewhat readable text code that is developed. When source is compiled into object code without syntax errors it might do some task. Those tasks are controlled by turning switches on or off. This is what is known as virtual. A virtual task is an electrical copy of a real world task. Source code is semi-readable code that makes sense to a human (think nerd). Object code is computer code that only makes sense to a computer. The Operating System or OS is just a large bunch of programs or software. Windows, Apple & Linux are are all OSes. The OS controls access by lesser programs to hardware. This includes; CPU, memory, hard drives, the monitor screen, printers, sound cards, cams etc |
What is Proprietary Software (PS)? |
| PS is software where you can't see the source code. This is software that is only altered by the proprietor. These are rarely, if ever, guaranteed to work; eg Windows ME & Vista. Possibility of backdoor programs (spyware from Govt & other agencies); truly "Big Brother". These often have ongoing costs |
What are the benefits & downsides of PS? |
| Focused software & hardware specific to an OS. Information & knowledge are relatively centralised & organised. Support is rarely free. Errors or security problems usually take days to weeks with Windows (improving). Errors or security problems usually take months with Apple (appalling). Apple regularly deny the existence of these issues. Reduced functionality is often built in to create repeat charging. Testing of systems are often left to the unsuspecting public |
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What is Open Source Software (OSS)? |
| OSS is just software where you can see the source code if you want. With OSS you can legally alter that source code. If you do, you must make that source available to the world. OSS is often as brilliant as any PS but it can be poor too. You are allowed to fix it if it has errors but not PS. Design phase is often re-done several times due to developer passion & no financial time constraints. Results in the likelihood of better design. Usually more thoroughly tested than PS due to minimal time constraints. Often based on software that has been around for a long time. Often based on stable libraries that have been tested with many different softwares. Often free of charge & will often do exactly what you want it to do. Sometimes you may need several software programs for all the functions in the proprietary version. Sometimes functions are missing. Remember the purchase prices are usually very different |
What are the benefits & downsides of OSS? |
| Massive support of OSS, huge amounts of information. Errors or security problems usually fixed within hours of notification of an issue. Often written as some programmer's passion, their "GIFT" or "Mt Everest". Often have unlimited time or no cost restrictions. Almost always more completely tested. Much of the support comes free. There are fewer professional support staff. Professional support are usually more experienced. Charges are almost always a one-off if any at all. Knowledge is often scattered & disorganised. Drivers are sometimes non-existent or flaky |
| Click to see many OSS links
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All information printed on these pages has been expressly written by Rex Alfie Lee of Daggerlee Computing. This page has been opened separately from the original. If you have closed the original page & wish to return to it then click on this link for Daggerlee Computing Dated: May 2011 Email: alfielee at gmail.com |