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What is Open Source?
Overview
Open source software is computer software for which the source code is made available under a copyright license (or arrangement such as the public domain) that meets the Open Source Definition. This permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner. Open source software is the most prominent example of open development and collaboration by the software community for the benefit of all.
Philosophy
The "open source" label came out of a strategy session held in Palo Alto in reaction to Netscape's January 1998 announcement of a source code release for Navigator (as Mozilla). A group of individuals used the opportunity before the release of Navigator's source code to clarify a potential confusion caused by the ambiguity of the word "free" in English. The 'open source' movement is generally thought to have begun with this strategy session, while others do not distinguish between open source and free software movements.
Result
The popular 'Firefox' browser, a development of Mozilla foundation is open source as is the popular alternative to Microsoft Office - 'Open Office'which runs on all platforms including Linux an open source operating system.
Any users of Firefox will know of the extensions and add ons that become so useful and these are crafted by the open source community. The users are treated like co-developers and so they should have access to the source code of the software. Furthermore users are encouraged to submit additions to the software, code fixes for the software, bug reports, documentation etc. Having more co-developers increases the rate at which the software evolves.
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