- Definition: Open Source
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Open source software (OSS) refers to software that is offered together with its source. Commercial software is typically only available in object form, to protect the intellectual property of the vendor. In contrast, open source software is the ultimate in collaborative shareware. The principle is that anyone can pick up the software for free, make changes and updates, and share the modifications with the rest of the community, although one of the drawbacks is that there is no free support, education, or training other than that offered by members of the community. The "open source" term is frequently misused, often applying to software that is offered for free but not accompanied by the source. OSS examples range from individual productivity tools such as Firefox web browser to the LINUX operating system.
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