Disadvantages to open source software

It helps them to seek external ideas and technologies through the openness of the platform. GitHub is another big name for open source software. OSS can benefit your business in several ways, save your time and money and many experts can contribute to perfect or enhance your business software. If you compare the birth of technology with the modern world today, you will notice a mammoth transformation in between.

Keeping in mind the evolution of the internet and mobile phones we cannot in any way deny the power of innovation. Open source software provides a platform where a novice or an experienced developer all can contribute regardless of their age and experience. It promotes learning, garners productivity and contributes to the positive growth of the software voluntarily. This culture of caring and sharing rewards you more than money.

The efficiency of the software to serve its required specifications defines the reliability of the software. It consists of three major factors; fault detection, fault prevention and improvement of the software to maximize reliability.

In an open-source platform, software is being watched and monitored by thousands of experts or even pioneers of the field who can fix the faults without taking much time.

This increases reliability and enables the smooth running of the software without interruption. In an OSS bugs are fixed quickly within the number of hours it is detected because the source code is crystal clear to everyone.

Read More. Mishal Roomi May 12, Open source software is a type of software application which provides users with a source code which is free to modify.

In the recent years the open source software has been so popular, especially in the IT industry. Currently it is used in various fields such as business, education and personal projects.

The source code in open source software is available to all the users. According to the needs they have the option to edit, modify or share the source code. This ability comes from the license it is equipped with. The license grants permission for the users to alter the software.

Although open source software helps businesses in many ways, it aren't flawless. Similar to other technologies open source software also has pros and cons. The following points needs to be analyzed before opting for an open source software solution. At the end of this post, you will know the pros and cons of using open source software.

Generally an open source software is free to use. The users does not require to pay for the usage. It can be installed free of cost without any upfront expenses.

Nevertheless the quality is not compromised. Especially for businesses with tight budget, using open source software can lead to significant amount of cost savings.

High reliability can be ensured when using an open source software. The open source software is created by expert developers and guided by them. Therefore, there is very less chance that someone will identify flaws in the software.

In addition to that, the software is monitored by a set of experts who is able to fix faults in a lesser time duration. Many of the open source software options that are available today function just like their commercially marketed software counterparts.

Some OSS options are even completely compatible with commercial products. OSS is very reliable. The same software developers who work on commercial software products are involved in the development of OSS products. Many programs even have ongoing monitoring so that any defects can be immediately fixed.

You receive flexibility. It adds a certain level of vulnerability. Some OSS products can have its coding altered so that those who wish to exploit others can do so. This may include identity theft, virus transfers, and other activities that irritate open source software users. Commercial products may also have these issues, but at a greatly reduced level. It is not always user-friendly. There is a definite learning curve involved in the use of many OSS options.

However, you have to realize that using open source software is not all milk and honey. Start your research by going through these lists:. Cheaper than commercially marketed products. Since many of these programs are created to work with almost any type of computer, they can also help you lengthen the life of your old hardware and avoid the need to replace them every now and then. Created by skillful and talented people. Large and well-established software companies have the financial capability to hire the best talent in the business to create their products.