Opening up a brand-new package of software and installing it on your computer is exciting. Most likely, you will explore the software like a new toy, checking out the various features and options available. If you find an option or issue that you wish you could change, you are usually out of luck. You can submit feedback and hope that updates will be made or the next version is better. With the increasing use of open source software, however, you have more options.
Open source software is software that makes the source code available to users. What this means is that you can make changes, adjustments, and improvements to the software as you see fit. Manufacturers of open source software want users to make changes – they understand that the best way to build software goes beyond user feedback. Users need to be able to adjust software to their specifications. What works well for one user is likely to work well for another. Open source software is constantly evolving to become the best program that it can be.
An example of open source software is Linux. Linux was developed and released in 1991. Over a three-year period, users modified the software. The manufacturer of Linux utilized the changes and released Linux version 1.0 in 1994. It was a compilation of the various changes that users had made to the software – it was the “best of the best.” Open source software, such as Linux, makes it possible for users to give more than just their opinions. They can make changes, try new things, and tweak the software to their liking.
Open source software is freely distributed. This makes it possible for anyone to acquire the software and modify it. While support for open source software is limited, the potential is limitless. Open source software gives users the freedom to become programmers and contribute to future versions of the software program.