Open Source Software

Open source software are free.


They are software that are build by a committee or sometimes by an organization. The source code of these software are also release for anyone to edit and redistribute. However the main focus of open source software is that they are free to use.

Some of the examples of the open source software are:

Linux : Operating System.
Mozilla FireFox : Internet Browser
Open Office : A suite of software for you to type word documents etc..

However, there are always pros and cons in using open source software.

Advantages of Open Source Software is that there is no cost required to use them. You can always distribute them to your friends and relatives.


The disadvantages is that sometimes there may be a lack of support for these software, and you can only look for help with the community for people with experience in that field.


In paid application, the company who developed the application always have a team of developers always there to help when ever you need assistance. But all these comes with a price.


In conclusion, open office software are free and great to use, unless you are using an application that may require long term and strong support and do not have much technical knowledge, its best that you stick to paid software.


Edit: More information on open source concept can be found  here
Wikipedia: Open Source