Freeware Vs Open source software

Ishara Abhayarathna 

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Hello everyone😁, interested in learning about Freeware Vs Open source software? If so this blog is for you. 

Outline of the blog.

1. What are freeware and open source software?

2.  Differences between the two.

Freeware and Open-source software are collectively referred to as FOSS. This is the most popular concept in the programming community. The freeware software concept is been around for some time now and open-source has become a popular methodology in today's world. 

The phrase was coined by Richard Stallman in the 1980s. He started the GNU Project (to create a free operating system) and founded the Free Software Foundation (to advocate on behalf of free software). The phrase refers to software that users can safely,

                                                                     Run

                                                                     Adapt

                                                                     Redistribute without legal restraint.

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) provides "Four essential freedoms" in order for the software to be considered free, 

1. The freedom to run the program for any purpose.

2. The freedom to study how that program works and adapt it to your needs.

3. The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.

4. The freedom to improve the program and release your improvements to the public so that the whole community benefits.

Examples ; GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program

                   LibreOffice

                   Apache HTTP Server 

The freeware application may or may not have its source code freely available. 

Open-source software

Open-source software is any software that satisfies the open software initiative (OSI) definition. The open-source initiative has created the certification mark "OSI certified".

In order to be OSI certified, the software must be distributed under a license that guarantees the right to read, redistribute, modify and use the software freely. 

The term was coined in 1998 by a group of individuals. They changed the emphasis from freedom to security, cost savings, transparency, and other pragmatic benefits. 

Examples - Linux operating system, Android by Google, Open Office, Firefox browser, VCL media player, Moodle, WordPress content management system.

This means that any person can access the code and modify it to create new extensions, patches or solutions. 

What's the difference between Freeware and Open-source software?

Summery

1. Freeware is Open-source software, but Open-source software may not necessarily be Free Software.

2. Open-source allows the coder more control over his program compared to Free Software. 

3. Open-source software can work with other proprietary software, while Free Software does not allow the same.