What is "Open-Source" exactly?

[StrangerInBeijing]

[note 2 mods: Pls move to chit chat if this is not the place]

Just been thinking as I sat here, trying to get this Friday over (got in bed 3:00 this morning) reading a book on SBS.

What is "Open-Source" exactly? I realized M$ stuff IS open-source from my definition of it.
Reasons:
1) Anyone can develop an application in nearly any programming language and run it on windows.
2) Allthough M$ to their own implementation of major techonlogies (Say databasing), you can run any of tons of database products of any M$ operating system.
3) Skipping the past, with the .Net framework, anyone can go so far, of creating their own programming language and compliler. The only requirement is that it must confirm with the CLR specs.
4) The .net framework & sdk are FREE. And you don't need ANY ms product you have to pay for (beside your OS of course) to develop applications of any size or complexity.
I guess the list can go on...and further I guess it can go on in both directions...

Just would like to hear what ppl got to say on this one...

[Sgt-Peppa]

First we should Declare two terms:
Freeware: Software that is for free you dont need to pay for
Open Source: You are able to have a look at the Source Code! Does not need to be Freeware. You might still pay money for it!

So yes, Microsoft does Produce some Freeware, and some OpenSource Samples. Their Software however, is not Open Source. Or what was the last time you could look at the Source of lets say Excel?

Stephan

[StrangerInBeijing]

oh, ok...gotcha

Just wondering...how on earth would ppl make money?

OK..I saw freeware as actually being a marketing thing...give ppl stuff for free so they can see how cool your stuff is. but open-source?

[Sgt-Peppa]

Well take the Linux Distributors for example! Everyone can download Linux free and Open Source from the Internet. But still theres Companys like Suse or RedHat that Compile Linux Distributions and sell those. They make their money for the convinience they provide to the user. Having a couple of CD Roms, a User Manual,......and of course they make money for supporting their own Distributions.

You can sell your OpenSource Product for as much as your customer is willing to pay for it.

[anotherVBnewbie]

Most open source projects of the scope of Linux are originally funded either by a government or foundation grant and administered through an organization such as a university - in other words, income is guranteed before development ever starts. Others, many of which can be found at SourceForge, are simply individuals that have banded together and work on the projects in their free time

[techgnome]

Open Source is jsut that. The source code is open and available to any one and everyone who wants it. Where most of the OS companies make their money is in the service that they provide, compiling & packaging the application for you so you don't have to. And then there's support. That's where RedHad and Suse make theirs from.

Freeware - software that's free to use. Not necessarily open source. Nor is it always freely distributable, just free for you to use.

Shareware - Free to try, but if yopu like it, you're supposed to pay for it. Usualy on the honor system.

Trialware - Shareware with a time bomb built in.

Vaporware - This is the stuff that marketers and sales people sell. MS has this market cornered.

Tg

[mendhak]

Vaporware:
A sarcastic term used to designate software and hardware products that have been announced and advertised but are not yet available.