Open vs Closed Software

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Two approaches to the distribution of software is open-source software, also called free and open source software (FOSS), and closed-source software. Closed-source software is when there are restrictions to the original code source of the application. The consumer cannot change the code source. They only purchase the right to use the software, not the software itself. Open-source software allows the consumer to change the product’s source code to meet their needs. Usually this can be done for free, as long as credit is given to the originally company and the changes that the consumer makes are passed on to others for their information (wikipedia.com). FaceTime and Skype are both examples of closed-source software. FaceTime, a product of Apple, is used with other Apple products such as their computers and iPhones that have a forward-facing camera, to connect their consumers through video chat (Wikipedia.com). Skype allows it’s member to not only video chat but also instant message. Calls can also be made to telephone numbers and there is a conference call feature (Wikipedia.com). FaceTime and Skype’s code source cannot be changed. These products are only to be used for what they were created to do. If there are changes to the product, only the manufacture will release the updates for the consumers to upload to the software. Pidgin though is an example of an open-source software. Pidgin allows you to log into accounts on multiple chat networks and not be stuck using just one or having multiple OPEN VS CLOSED 3 software running. Some that are compatible are AIM, Google Talk, and Yahoo! Messenger. They’re licensed under the GNU General Public License and only ask that if their members change the code source that they share it with other Pidgin users. The

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