What is Open Source?

Open Source Software is exactly what it sounds like. It is free software distributed in a way where the user can access and change the source code. This means it is customizable by whoever downloads it and open to any changes and new ideas. Open Source software meets the following stipulations:

• Applications of which the general public can access the source code - easy to modify
• Free redistribution of software and license - license and rights follow software not party; eliminate temptation of economic gain for technological/intellectual gain
• Allows modifications and derived works - people can experiment with software and redistribute modifications for revolution of software
• Integrity of the source code - unofficial changes can be distinguished from base source
• License cannot discriminate against persons, groups, or fields of endeavor-more diverse the persons and groups using the software, the more contribution to the open source software
• License must not be specific to a product - The rights attached to the program must not depend on the program's being part of a particular software distribution
• License must not restrict other software - no license trap
• License must be technology neutral - available for multiple technological and style interfaces