Open source software has been quite useful to computer and internet users and may be giving proprietary software a run for its money. The fact that this software is freely available gives it an edge over proprietary software. It's pros far outweighs its cons given that it encourages collaboration from different skilled tech-savvy people.
Even though some people frown at the use of open source software, it is always great to give it a try. Let's take a look at why you should consider using open source software.
Open source software benefits both programmers and non-programmers. Some tasks performed by internet users are rooted in open source technologies. The open stack, for instance, is an open source cloud computing platform which has aided cloud computing applications to run smoothly. Some advantages of open software could be outlined below:
Ease of Access
When I picked interest in 3d animation, the very first open source software I downloaded was blender. Subsequently, when I wanted to do audio editing, audacity (another open source software) came in handy. This proves that open source software is easily accessible and are available to all internet users at a click.
Piques one's curiosity and trains programmers to become better
Open software is like a tool that sparks one's interest in programming. Since I began to use audacity, I've become more interested in programming and have noted one or two flaws which I think when corrected will make the software better.
Open source software also provides a platform where anyone interested in software development can easily study open source codes which by the way are publicly accessible. This can provide a good training for them and they can learn to make better software.
Regular modifications
Open source software is regularly modified, updated and upgraded. Since anyone can modify open source software, errors are easily identified and corrected.
Continuity
Even when an open source software ceases to exist (which may not be likely), anyone who has programming knowledge can dig it up, update and make it available for internet users without asking for permission.
Misconceptions people have about open source software
Most people have this misconception that open source software is free of charge and may raise an eyebrow whenever programmers charge for money. But being open source does not imply that programmers can't charge money for its use so long as they release their source code (if mandated) when they sell this software to others.
There are some software users that don't consider open source software good enough and would rather choose proprietary software over them because they believe that most important features are lacking in open source. Even though there are differences that exist between open source software and proprietary software, most open source software meet the needs and goals of users. In the end, your decision to use an open source software boils down to individual priorities.
Some open source software you should consider using
The following open source software are great alternatives to proprietary software, and this proves that there is more that open source programmers can offer computer and internet users.
AbiWord
Tired of using Microsoft Word, why not download and install AbiWord.Its features are similar to any word processor and can perform a variety of word processing tasks.
Gimpshop
If you can't afford adobe photoshop, then why not consider using gimpshop for your image editing. Its features are cool and you can do just about anything like you would in adobe photoshop.
Firefox
Are you an internet freak, then Firefox is a great alternative to internet explorer. It is free, provides a private browsing experience, has tracking protection and will meet all your browsing needs.
ClamWin
This is a free open source antivirus for windows. It can easily detect viruses and spyware and it is a great alternative for Norton antivirus.
Blender 3d
This is a free and open source 3d software which is used for modelling, rigging, animating, stimulating, rendering and can also be used to edit videos and create games. Hooked on creating your next 3d animation, then blender may be just what you need.
Audacity
This is a free open source software that is used for audio editing. It has loads of features that musicians and podcasters will find useful. It can be used for live recordings and you can import or export audio files. It also has support for plugins and provides a tool that enables you to create your plugins.
There are other great open source software that is quite useful to computer and internet users and are good alternatives to proprietary software. Picking an open source software over proprietary software is a matter of figuring out what works best for you.
Open source software has accomplished loads of task for computer and internet users without them parting with tons of money.
So when next you decide to buy your next software, why not consider open source alternatives to proprietary software. That way, you would be minimizing cost.