Open Source And Proprietary

Question 1

What are software licenses?

Answer 1

• Refers to how a user can legally use software.

Question 2

What is source code?

Answer 2

• The software code written by programmers.

Question 3

What does it mean if software is open source?

Answer 3

• Users can view and modify source code.

Question 4

Examples of open source software:

Answer 4

• Linux
• Python
• Firefox

Question 5

Benefits of Open Source:

Answer 5

1) - Customised to an organisation’s needs.
2) - Users can work together to modify, debug and improve a product.
3) - Unwanted features can be removed to make the software run faster.
4) - Low in price, can be free.

Question 6

Drawbacks of Open Source:

Answer 6

1) - Security Risks: some editors may add malicious code to the program.
2) - The code may be prone to errors as it may not have been tested fully.
3) - It may be difficult to receive support as development is often distributed between people in different locations.
4) - It requires technical skills to be able to adapt source code efficiently and maintain the code.

Question 7

What does proprietary/closed source mean?

Answer 7

• Users are prevented from being able to view or modify the source code.

Question 8

Examples of closed source/proprietary:

Answer 8

• Microsoft Office
• Spotify
• Fortnite

Question 9

Benefits of Closed Source/Proprietary:

Answer 9

1) - The code is well tested and has been professionally developed. Updates will generally be secure.

2) - Most developers will provide some form of help/support.

3) - The company can be held to account if it does not perform as listed in the terms and conditions upon purchase.

Question 10

Drawbacks of Closed Source/Proprietary:

Answer 10

1) - Users must rely on the company to provide updates and fix issues. This might be infrequent or stop completely.

2) - Users cannot modify, debug or improve the code for their own benefit.

3) - Often not free and may be expensive.