Rights with Open Source software
As the analogy illustrates, you obtain the major right of use to your investments. This gives you greater freedom of choice as to whom you can use to help you, and increased flexibility in proportion to what you can do with the software. All software is based on what is known as a license, that is to say a set of conditions that state what you can and cannot do with the software. The license that results from Open Source software means you can do things that you cannot do with locked software. We state the most important licenses.
Use it as you want
The majority of locked software packages have clauses that prevent you from using the program in the way that suits you best. For example, it may be that you have two computers at home and want to use the program on both machines but have to purchase a licence for each computer. If you purchase a student licence, you are often not permitted to use the same licence for business purposes; for example if you start your own business once you have finished studying.
With Open Source software there is no one to dictate how you may use the software that you have acquired.
Study the program’s working method
If you have the competence, or know someone who has, you have access to study the recipe of the program or the ’source code’. You can thus see and understand how the program functions so that you can ensure that the program functions as you want.
Changing the work method of the program
You don’t just have opportunity to study the ‘recipe’ or source code. You also have opportunity to make amendments to it so that the program functions in the way that suits you best. You or your business may have special requirements that mean that you want to change the functionality. You can make changes or you can choose someone to help you.
You can share the changes you make between you and the original developer of the software. In this way you contribute, together with may others, to improving the software’s functionality and quality.
Share the program with others
If you consider that your program is so good that you want to share it with others, you are free to distribute as many copies as you wish. For example, you can distribute CDs or offer the program as a download on the Internet. The Open Source software centre has established the Delingsbazaren portal, where the public sector can share software they have developed or altered for public means. Sharing the software with the public results in fewer tax dollars being spent on licences for locked software.
The text is obtained from the National Cempetence Centre for Open Source's website.
With Open Source you can:
- Use it as you want
- Study the program’s working method
- Changing the work method of the program
- Share the program with others
Advantages with Open Source
- Better products
- Better services
- Lower costs
- Greater flexibility
- Greater freedom of choice