answersLogoWhite

0

An open source program is a program where the source code is freely available for developers to modify and improve. A closed source program can only be modified by the people who have the source code, (eg. The company that made the program).

Examples of open source programs would be: Firefox, Google Chrome, Audacity, 7Zip, VLC Media Player, Pidgin ect.

Commercial software like Microsoft Windows, internet Explorer, MSN, Safari ect. is closed source.

Also large programs such as operating systems (i.e Linux, Mac OS X) often use mixed source and/or shared source. Mixed source is where some of the program is open source and the rest is closed source.

Shared source is where only developers who join a special network (usually non-free), can access the source, and only they can modify and improve the software. The major supporter of shared source software is Microsoft.

Also don't get confused. Free software means it can be used without charge, it does not mean it is open source. Shareware does not mean shared source, it means it can only be used for free with fewer features and/or for a limited time (a free trial)

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the difference between OCR and commercial software?

Commercial software normally cost more and is made to look like it has more features when in fact it is normally around the same amount of features as the open source software. Commercial software is normally only needed it for bigger business needs.


What is the difference between open-source and closed-source software?

The answer is in the question itself. Open-source software has it's source code available to everyone. Closed-source software does not.


Is it permissible to use open source software for commercial purposes?

Yes, it is permissible to use open source software for commercial purposes as long as you adhere to the terms of the specific open source license governing that software.


What is the difference between source code and specially written software?

Source code means the form of the software which is the most suitable for human understanding; while 'specially written software' is... well, okay, I admit I have no idea what do you mean by that...


Linux is a software of the type SharewareOpen Source Commercial Proprietary.?

Linux is open source, not shareware or proprietary. There are commercial Linux distributions.


Can open source software be used for commercial purposes?

Yes, open source software can be used for commercial purposes as long as the terms of the open source license are followed, which may include requirements such as sharing modifications and attributing the original creators.


What is the difference between freeware software and open-source software?

Freeware is software for which the author or authors are not seeking monetary compensation. Open-source software is software whose authors have decided to allow other programmers to access the software they have created so as to invite community improvement.


What is the difference between commercial math and financial math?

Wagner does finantial maths and Mary does commercial maths their brilliance combined makes wagbo source: wagbos autobiography


What is the difference between net and php?

.net is a framework based on Microsoft software and is not open source, php is a language which is open source and based on Linux/unix systems


Can open source software be used for commercial purpose?

Am also looking for answer! please help me!


What is the difference between free software and open source software?

Free software is software that makes few or no restrictions on what you can do with it or the source code. According to the Free Software Foundation, in order for software to be considered "free", it must: * Allow use of the program for any purpose. * Have the source code available, to see how it works and change it. * Allow you to distribute unmodified copies of the software * Allow you to modify and release the changes to the program. "Open-source" software only needs to meet the second criteria. Software can have it's source available, but forbid you to release it commercially, or release modified copies of the binaries / source.


What are the differences between commercial licenses and other licenses, and how do they impact the use and distribution of software products?

Commercial licenses are typically used for software that is sold for profit, while other licenses, such as open-source licenses, allow for free distribution and modification of the software. Commercial licenses often restrict how the software can be used and distributed, while other licenses may have fewer restrictions. These differences impact how software products can be used, shared, and distributed, depending on the terms of the specific license.