Not long ago, Microsoft was in charge in software industry. It is ironic that the software Titan is now stretching itself to the limits to overpower the crisis it is facing largely from the open source software market. The software prices have eased due the leveling factor the proprietary software faces now in the form of free and open source software. It is good to see programmers and software specialists, world over uniting to share their know-how to produce good quality software. The eighties were the period of computerization in all fields of life. There was a time when software prices were immense and Microsoft dictated terms. Now with the advent of internet and web based applications, FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) is available for download and changing for individuals as well as for organizations.

Under Closed Source model the source code is not opened up to the public. Examples of this kind of software include the popular Microsoft Office suite which is the most widely used office automation package around the world. Microsoft is the chief proposer of this category of software right from the advent of Pc’s. In comparison with, FOSS model allows the user to download the software free of charge and also make modifications to the source code. This has resulted in large scale development of free and open source software. The advantages cited by proponents for having such a structure are advantageous such as sharing of knowledge, superior products and acceptability and to say nothing of the cost savings.

Free software intends that the user has the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it signifies that the program’s users have the four essential freedoms: the freedom to run the program, for any purpose; the freedom to study how the program works, and change it to compelkeep it do what you wish, admittance to the source code is a precondition for this; the freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your pal; the freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements (and modified versions in general) to the public, so that the whole community benefits. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

From the above mentioned four freedoms given to the user regarding the use of free software, it is evident that the user has a free hand in even deciding the using the software and customizing it. This is in stark contrast to the rules regarding proprietary software. The notion of service and trust is essential for FOSS to survive. Internet has opened doors for this acceptance by masses. With increasing of download speed and reduction in usage costs, downloading a software is no longer a daunting task.

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