Open Source versus Free Software

Open Source versus Free Software

In 1998, the term open source software was heard in placed of free software. Soon, open source was the term used to describe a different approach, philosophy, value and even different license criteria that were deemed acceptable. This caused the open source software and free software movements to head on different paths with different goals and views. The biggest difference between the two paths was the values involved. When it comes to open source the question of whether software should be offered as open source is considered practical and not ethical. The official definition of open source software is nearly the same as free software, but it is a little loser and does accept some licenses that are considered restrictive to some users. You would assume that open source software is free software, but in some cases this isn't true. Before using any software you need to carefully consider the usage terms and make sure it is truly free software under the terms of open source software.  
While the Open Source movement is enjoying increasing success, there are still many who find Open Source software to be inaccessible and this presents a major flaw in the software development. There are five primary problems with the development of Open Source software: user interface design, documentation, feature-centric development programming for the self and religious blindness. With a lack of user interface design many people prefer to use software with a more intuitive interface. Open Source software also lacks documentation that is accessible and complete in order to retain users. Most Open Source software focuses on feature rather than making sure they have a solid core. Those who program Open Source software often tend to view themselves as the intended audience rather than taking the general public into consideration. Lastly, most Open Source programmers refuse to learn from lessons taught by proprietary software. In order for Open Source programming to become widely popular and used by the general public all five of these issues need to be dealt with.

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