The word open source has a much broader concept and is deemed to be very profitable almost in every field. The history of this word can be traced ages back when one particular item or commodity or even recipe was found to be shared among many people. However, its popularity rose to great heights after the development of computer and internet technology which gave a new dimension to its meaning. In this context, open source software is a type of computer software which is finds its existence in the form of source code. It provides a non chargeable software license which authorizes users to scrutinize, amend, improve and also help in the distribution of software.
Such open source software is often found to develop in the public domain in a collaborative manner. The development in open source can best be portrayed through open source software and it is one of the most important examples. Since the time of adoption of such software models many positive changes have been noticed and all have worked in favor of the consumers. The prime of course, is the saving and consumers have been found to save $60 billion annually and this is a remarkable figure.
The first movement for the free software was launched in the year 1983 and in the year 1998 it was coined the term open source software (OSS) by a team of individuals. It was deemed to be less confusing and more relaxed for the world of corporate executives. This expression provides the right to any individual to develop identical software or comprehend its inner functioning. OSS software often allows any individual to create modified form of any kind of software and transfer it to any novice operating system as well as processors architecture.
Users have an advantage of sharing it on a wider level and in certain cases can even be used for the marketing of the software. Open source software is loved by people owing to its numerous advantages and exclusive features. Security, transparency, affordability, perpetuity, localization and interoperability are some of the exclusive features of open source software which makes it so loved by users all across the globe.
Among the various definitions so far formulated for open source, the one that has taken everyone’s fancy is Peren’s definition which describes the term pretty well. According to his definition, pen source refers to the software license which enables the general public to avail of the facilities and advantages of source code. It may include copyright restrictions but they are much more relaxed and in most cases such copyright restrictions do not exist at all thereby giving wider opportunities and better facilities to the consumers. It does not require any patent or trademark use. No kind of restrictions are put on the users or any organization desirous of availing its myriad benefits. It is because of the flexibility offered in terms of copyright freedom that makes open source software so popular and lovable among users as well as organizations.