Does Open Source give end users an advantage over Closed Source?

    Not a programmer, not an administrator, but an accountant, secretary, lawyer, train driver and combine operator.
    Not in the future, but in the present, that is, today, that is, now, that is, right now.

    The subject of analysis was two documents:
    1. The Open Source Definition (Annotated)
    2. The Free Software Definition (4 freedoms)

    The Open Source Definition (Annotated)


    www.opensource.org/docs/definition.php

    1. Free Redistribution The

    license should not contain distribution restrictions.
    In practice, in order for the software to reach the end user, you need to invest money in it.
    (RedHat, Firefox).

    I do not see the benefits here. I see only store shelves littered with 95% paid software, and 5% open source software, for which they also charge money.
    Online shopping is also welcome.

    2. Source Code

    The source code must be included in the program.
    Why is he to the secretary? Why the CEO? Why to the combine?

    3. Derived Works

    License provides for changes to the code.
    True, only a programmer can change the code, and even then not everyone.
    And far from immediately.

    4. Integrity of The Author's Source Code Source

    Security. New versions through patches.
    Here, there is already a share of concern for users, it is due to a large number of branches and modifications.
    But in paid software there is no such problem at all, this is the concern of the only developer.

    5. No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups

    No Discrimination Against Persons and Groups.
    I see no difference from commercial software.

    6. No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor The

    same, restriction on scope.
    There is no such limitation in commercial software.

    7. Distribution of License

    Free distribution.
    Plus in favor of Open Source - our combiner can download new software for his combine and share it with friends from a neighboring state farm with impunity.

    8. License Must Not Be Specific to a Product

    Link to another product.
    No difference with commercial software.

    9. License Must Not Restrict Other Software

    Restriction on the use of other software.
    Not a single commercial license also has this.

    10. License Must Be Technology-Neutral

    Link to interface technology at the license level.
    Also a minus in the field of commercial software, which as a rule I tie to use on one processor or computer.

    The free software definition


    www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

    The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).

    No difference with commercial software.

    The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

    Forcing the combine to study the code of his combine is a great loss for the chairman of the state farm, since there will be nobody to harvest.

    The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).

    Yes, KPO cannot be sent to a neighbor or colleague.

    The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

    The ability to sell modified free software, it seems to me, is not very important to the secretary.

    Conclusion



    Free software differs from commercial software in that it can also be distributed, that is, sold or transferred.
    Accordingly, the only advantage for commercial use is the apparent cheapness of jobs.

    It seems - because supporting free software is often more expensive than commercial.

    PS: it turns out you need to buy free software when you clearly know that you can save on support, for example linux support is much more expensive than Open Office. Here it is (openoffice) and it is justifiable to buy.

    It remains to pay for additional training of the department of accountants and the army of secretaries.


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