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The Advantages of Open Source Software

November 26, 2009

As incredible as it appears, there are infact outfits and foundations out there that actively build and syndicate software for no cost. The reason for them giving away their software is varied, but the advantages to the customers is immense.

Way back in the 70′s, computer enthusiasts and nerds would programme software and distribute it to others for free to try and make it better. That was until a man called Bill Gates who saw a entrepreneurial opportunity in programming software for computers and constructed Altair BASIC. Unfortunately for him, his product was also given away around and he ended up writing a angry letter describing why software should not be free (Google Bill Gates Open Letter).

In recent years, the open source collective has been acquiring a significant slice in the software market, probably caused by developing countries who can’t afford the licensing fees of commercial software like Windows, Word, Dreamweaver and even Programming Languages.

There are open source versions of just about everything, from blogging platforms to images. The open source concept has even hit the food and drink market with open source recipes for wine and beer now available on the Web. I am actually writing this informative article on a piece of open source software called Open Office, a free substitute to MS Word, and it’s powered by Ubuntu, a free alternative to Windows or Mac OS X.

When it comes to websites, there is a plethora of open source software available to power any kind of site. Web development companies such as WordPress and Wikimedia Foundation release software free for businesses to use. What makes it incredibly enticing is that open source customization can be undertaken by most of companies around the globe.

Using open source software to power your website provides a great base from which to begin, eg WordPress is perfect for virtually any kind of website, but with a bit of WordPress customization you can have it meet your exact needs for a small percentage of the cost of coding it from the beginning.

Before you order your next computer programme, always check to find out if there is an open source option on the market. Especially during these economic conditions, open source scripts could be one way you or your company can lower its costs.

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