...because there's stuff to be shared.
Open source refers to something that is publicly accessible and modifiable. As such, open source software is available via the internet, and is typically developed in joint efforts via forums, version control, and production suites likewise open source. For instance, Open Office is an open source office suite with similar features to Microsoft's Office Suite. The difference is that due to being open source, it's use is free for all to use, develop, and distribute.
As a programmer, I like to be able to look under the proverbial hood of the software written by a collective of programmers to learn something, improve it, or just muse over the choices they've made. Open source arguably helps people save money, and aids in providing useful tools that aren't otherwise readily available. Sharing promotes knowledge, productivity, and developer rapport.
Below I've linked one of many hangouts of open source software, though there are many many many groups out there to check out.
This is a very well written post. I love that you referenced Open Office. I am always trying to steer people toward that program. I also enjoy "looking under the hood" at open source projects to increase my skills as a coder. I think your post would improve with three major additions:
ReplyDelete1. History of Open Source
2. Personal examples and success of your use of open source
3. The various advantages of using open source as a student, small business, etc.
But over all this is a very well written blog post and I look forward to reading more!