unit 1.8

unit 1.8

1. Open Source Software: type of computer software with its source code made available with a license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study, change, and distribute the software to anyone.

2. Proprietary Software: software that is owned by an individual or a company (usually the one that developed it). Its source code is mostly kept secret

3. Open Source Operating Systems: FreeBSD, ReactOS, FreeDOS, Haiku, illumos, Syllable, AROS Research Operating System, MenuetOS

4. Proprietary Software Operating Systems: DR-DOS, QNX, MorphOS, AmigaOS, PS3, MS-DOS, NetWare

5. Open Source Benefits: users can edit and customise software freely. Allows collaboration with other peoplpe who may want the same modifications. Better versions of the software may appear faster than proprietary software.

6. Proprietary Software Benefits: Generally provide free customer support. Meet professional standards. May be broader and contain more features. Generally likely to be more tailored to market needs.

7. Proprietary Software Drawbacks: very costly. Limited to expansion by only what is available. Reliant on one company. May not fully meet the needs of the customer.

8. Open Source Drawbacks: Relies on support networks of other users. To edit the code you need expert knowledge. De-bugging can be hard as no one person is responsible for the software.