open source vs proprietary software

Definition - software where source code is made freely available . users may modify source code to creat own spin-off software which can be shared under the same license as original.

Well known example is Apache HTTP ( runse web servers) and Mozilla Firefox. 

Linux also an example which was released in 1991. Hundreds of Linux-based Os has been shared over the years. Most popular was  Android .

Popular open source software is supported by online community.  Users help improve software and can suggest bugs fixes to the original developers.

It is usually free

Made for greater good , not profitable , encourage collaboration and sharing of ideas

Software can be adapted by users to fix their needs

Wide pool of collaborators can be more creative and innovative than programmers in one company

Popular software is very reliable and secure - any problems are quickly solved by community

Small projects may not get regular updates so it may be bug filled or have unpatched security holes

Limited user documentation

No warranties if something goes wrong

No customer support ( although community forums will often make up for this)

Companies using open-source code to make custome software may not want competitors to see their source code , but they have no choice as the source code is available to all. 

Definition - software that is usually paid for and hwre only compiled code is released. Source code kept closely guarded secret . Proprietary software licenses restrict modification , copying and redistribution of the software

Often closed source software

Businesses often use proprietary software instead of open source because it tends to have better customer support options. Exampels are companies such as Microsoft who produce Windows , Office , Outlooks. 

Comes with warranties , documentations and customer support

Warranties - written gurantee

Should be well tested and reliable as the companies reputation depends on this

Fixes and updates come more regularly

Usually cheaper for companies then developing their own custime built software

can be expensive

Software may not exactly fit a user's need and they can't do anything about it

Software companies may not mantain older software when warranties expire , they'll want people to buy their latest product.