Learn Linux In A Month Of Lunches: what is an Open-Source Operating System ?

[praveen kumaar]

I have seen these words "Linux is an OPEN SOURCE Operating System(OS)" several of times.what is exactly the context behind Open-Source.I mean does these words entails some kind of added features(in Linux) in contrast to other OS.if not(probably,in my opinion) does it means the same as it was in Open-Source Software.

Kind Regards,
Praveen.

[Steven Ovadia]

Open source is a licensing term. It means the code is publicly viewable and can be shared. That means Linux is cost-free and can be used for lots of different projects without having to pay anyone to use the software. Contrast that with Windows or OS X. We can't see the code underneath those operating systems and we couldn't use them to build other projects -- at least not without paying for that right. It's the same as open source software.

[Campbell Ritchie]

Does open source mean cost‑free? The last time I looked at the GPL (=Gnu Lesser General Public Licence), it permitted one to charge money for the use of the software. That was a long time ago; maybe it has changed. I know most open source people don't charge, however. Can anybody get their hands on the source code for Windows without applying to work for MS, however much money they offer them. Anyway, most Linux downloads are available free of charge . Many of the suppliers pay their expenses entirely from service contracts (I think, might be mistaken).

[Steven Ovadia]

Open source uses the phrase "free as in freedom, free as in beer." Open source doesn't have to be cost-free but the code has to be available for free. So the compiled program might come with a financial cost but you can compile it yourself from the source code for free. You're right, though. Many vendors make their money through support, rather than software. Which is nice, because you're paying people rather than paying for software.