Introduction
Not long back, Microsoft decided to rest in the software industry. It is ironic that the software giant is itself stretching now limits to overcome the crisis, it is confronted in large part by the market of software open source. The software prices fell because of the factor to upgrade the software owner faces today in the form of free software and open source. It is good to see programmers and professional software, world together to share their expertise to produce good quality software. During the 1980s pc was introduced that opens the path for computerization on a large scale in all walks of life. There was a time when software prices were astronomical and Microsoft imposed terms. Now, with the advent of the internet and the web based applications, FOSS (free and Open Source Software) is available for download and customization of the individuals and organizations.
Until we look at the nuances of open source software, it would be appropriate discuss various obstacles that exist in the model Proprietary or Source closed. Under the closed Source model source code is not revealed to the public. Examples of this type of software the popular Microsoft Office suite, which is the most widely used office automation package world. Microsoft is the main proponent of this category of software from the advent of the computer. From this, FOSS model allows the user to download the software free of charge and also to make changes to the source code. This resulted in the development in large scale free software and open source and a number of Indians joined the procession. The benefits cited by proponents to have such a structure are mutual benefits such as the sharing of knowledge, superior quality products and acceptability and does not mean the economies.
Free software means that the user has the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, modify and improve the software. Specifically, this means that the users of the program have four essential freedoms:
The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
The freedom to study the operation of the program and modify to make it to do what you want (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a sine qua non for this.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
Freedom to improve the program and release your improvements (and modified versions in General) to the public, to do any community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a sine qua non for this.
(references: www.gnu.org )
It is mentioned above four freedoms to the user regarding the use of free software, that the user has a free hand to even decide the use of the software and customize it. This is in striking contrast with the rules on proprietary software. The sense of service and confidence is essential for free software survive. Internet has opened the doors of this acceptance by the masses. With increased download speeds and reduced costs of use, downloading software is no longer a difficult task.
Proprietary software
It is clear that for the business model of closed source software manufacturer imposes certain constraints and restrictions on access to the source code, and also on what can be done with the software. It may be noted that it is very easy to copy and redistribute the software. Providers of free software to do this as part of their policy. Taking this as a threat to their profit making mobile, sometimes proprietary software companies create an illusion of artificial scarcity of the product. It's like black marketers who create an artificial scarcity of food during a crisis. In the case of proprietary software, the end user is not actually purchase the software, but is granted only the right to use the software. Therefore it can be clearly demonstrated that the source code for the closed source software is considered as a commercial licensee secret.
Free software (free software and Open Source)
FOSS does not limit the use of software as in closed source software. Free software vendors generate income support services. Canonical Ltd, which provides its software free of cost but charges for support services is an example of such an undertaking. The source code is given with the binary software precompiled for the convenience of the user. As a result, the source code can be freely modified. However, it may be some restrictions on the licence on the re-distributing software. In General, software can be modified and redistributed free of charge, as long the credit is granted for the original manufacturer of the software. Free software can also be funded by donations. Linux community effectively exploited this model to provide a number of packets received and popular. Software such as OpenOffice and MySQL has been heavily on the free market and has Microsoft to reduce its prices and provide solutions and error-free operating systems.
Windows 7 was released in India at a lower price, keeping in mind the competition from free software. Windows Vista was not a success, largely due to the fact that its interfaces memory hungry and its applications were not popular among the users. Tide on criticism encountered by Windows Vista, Windows 7 is released at a lower price and with the best functions. The credit for this change can be attributed to the immense popularity of free software.
Overall it can be said that the in the years to come, FOSS will play a major role in the development of the software industry, and giving the last word to the user. On the positive side of this contest is that proprietary software will improve the quality and will be forced restrictions on pricing of the flange. It is a positive signal for the software sector in the world.