Open source software is free software where it is not only the source code that is available to the public. Open source software is software that users can use, modify and redistribute because of the human readable source code that is available under a copyright license. The use of the term open source started as a marketing campaign for free softwares. Later on, all softwares that meet the criteria set under the open source definition are all called open source softwares.
What is the benefit of using open source software?
As mentioned, open source software is free software. You can use, modify or redistribute these open source softwares without cost.
Another benefit in using open source software is because you can modify or alter the source code, you become a co-developer.
You can help find bugs from these open source softwares and suggest improvements into the open source software. Thus, other users will benefit from the improvements you suggested as a co-developer.
The use of open source softwares is not limited to few applications, as in fact, there are many types of open source softwares that you can use. Difference between open source and shareware programs is that shareware is just limited free.
Here are a few examples of open source software
Document editing open source software
PDF, this is one of the popular open source softwares you can use by installing and downloading the computer program from the internet
Linux Office Suite
Other word processing softwares such as Note taking, Latex, Spreadsheet and Text Editor
Multimedia open source computer softwares include Audio Processors, Linux MultiMedia Studio, Rosegarden, etc.
Video editing open source softwares, there are numerous open source softwares in this category.
Networking and internet open source softwares, including email and instant messaging softwares
Applied fields such as mathematical, science and statistics softwares are also available as open source softwares.
Data storage and management open source softwares will help you back up your files and thus you do not fear loosing them forever.
Educational softwares of many kinds are likewise available
Gaming open source softwares
Operating systems
There are almost a hundred of open source softwares and because users are free to modify to improve these open sources softwares, it is not surprising to know that there will be variations and additional open source softwares that will come out of this freedom.
You do not only use free software but you can be part of improving the software to benefit as many people.
Of course, there could be bugs that needs adjustments and if you can help point out those bugs and recommend improvements, then you are sure that the coming generations will enjoy application softwares like free registry cleaners that will improve their lives.
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