Open Source - Do You Know What It Is?

Open Source. It is changing everything. If you do not know what this term means, read on.

Open Source

Open Source software is changing everything. If you do not know what it is, you should. It is probably already in your computer network somewhere. Here is a quick overview.

Open Source - the terms refers to software's source code. Source code is the programming code written by software developers. There are two ways that software developers can distribute software, with Open Source code or Compiled code. Open Source code means that the world can see the source code, make changes to it, and use it freely. Compiled means that the source code has been converted to a binary file, and thus the source code is not available to others. The Compiled method for distributing software is what many commerical enterprises, including Microsoft, use in order to keep their trade secrets safe.

There are some famous Open Source projects delivering free software. One that you may have heard of is Linux. There are thousands of other Open Source projects providing excellent applications, for free. Another example is the FireFox web browser. Another example is the Apache application, which is a web server application that runs the majority of all internet web sites.

There are many advantages to running open source software besides its free cost and no licensing fees. For example, lets say you have a home computer, and you want to open the Excel and Word files you create at work, but don't want to shell out the few hundred bucks to buy Microsoft Office at home. Simple, use the Open Source application called OpenOffice (www.openoffice.org). It is fully compatible with all Microsoft Office files.

Let's say you don't like Outlook Express, and are looking for a better email client. Simple, download the Open Source Thunderbird (www.mozilla.com).

Let's say you want to upgrade your internet surfing experience, simple, download the Open Source FireFox (www.getfirefox.com).

Let's say you want to do corporate instant messenger, for private internal use, for free. Simple, setup an internal Jabber server.

Let's say you want an internal email alternative to Exchange server, simple, download practically any Linux distribution and use one of the many free email servers.

Let's say you want to set up a free ecommerce web store, simple, download and install the Open Source osCommerce application.

And the list goes on, and on, and on...

If there is enough interest in this column, I would like to have Open Source articles in future newsletters as well. Let me know what you think, would you like to see more Open Source articles in the future? Let me know at jeff@clickconsulting.com