While most people think of open source software as simply free software, it’s not quite that simple. Technically speaking, the term “open source” can refer to either the methods and practices used in developing a given piece of software and/or the license under which that software is distributed. The definition is further confused by the fact that the term “free,” which is often attached to open source projects/products, can be used interchangeably to mean “no cost” or “no restrictions”…or both.
Open source development
Open source software development is typically a distributed, collaborative process, opening up the source code (hence the name) to anyone who wishes to take a peek and lend a coding hand. While some open source development projects are more selective about whom they let contribute than others, in general just about anyone is allowed to take part in the development process. This allows software users unprecedented influence over the development and support of the products they use.
Open source license
Did we really have to get the lawyers involved? Unfortunately, yes. An open source license is a legal document accompanying the source code which specifies the copyright conditions and terms under which the software can be acquired, used, and redistributed. An open source license focuses on ensuring the continued free nature of the code. Most open source licenses specify that any modifications to the source code must be made available to the public in the event that the person/group/company making the change redistributes that product in any way.
Free is (usually) free
Having gotten all the technical definitions out of the way, it’s time to back-track just a bit. Open source software is, essentially, free software. The vast majority of open source software happens to cost nothing more than the time and effort to download and install it. While some (primarily business-oriented) open source software distributors do charge money for packaging and/or support, most open source systems are completely free of charge, whether for a single, home user or in a mulit-user business setting.
Explore some of the more popular open source systems to get a feel for what’s available. To get you started, here’s a sampler.