🔓 Open Source Software
What is Open Source?
Open Source Software is software whose source code is freely available to:
- view
- modify
- improve
- redistribute
It focuses on freedom + transparency.
Key features
- Source code is open
- Users can modify the software
- Community-driven development
- Licensed under open licenses (like GPL)
Examples (write any 2–3 in exam)
- Linux
- Apache
- MySQL
- Firefox
📌 Managed and promoted by organizations like the
Free Software Foundation
🎁 Freeware
What is Freeware?
Freeware is software that is free of cost, but:
- Source code is not available
- Modification is not allowed
It focuses only on price, not freedom.
Key features
- Free to use
- Closed source
- Cannot modify or redistribute
- Controlled by the developer/company
Examples
- Google Chrome
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Skype
- WinRAR (trial/freeware)
🆚 Open Source vs Freeware (EXAM TABLE ⭐)
| Feature | Open Source | Freeware |
|---|---|---|
| Source code | Available | Not available |
| Modification | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Cost | Free or paid | Free |
| License | Open (GPL, MIT, etc.) | Proprietary |
| Redistribution | Allowed | Restricted |
| Transparency | High | Low |