Open source operating systems

Tushar B Kute, Assistant Professor, Sandip Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Nashik

First of all let us see what is: Software? Source? Open?

Computer programme or software is set of instructions to computer to work in a desired manner.

Instructions to computers are normally written by programmers in Programming Languages like – C, C++, Java etc. These instructions are readable by humans and referred as Source Code . To make machines i.e. computers to understand this source code – it either permanently translated (compiled) or on-the-fly translated (interpreted) into machine level codes.

As normal software industry practice, only the final working machine readable version (Compiled Program) of the software is handed over to users. The software works fine because machines don’t need source code. They only understand the compiled version. However, the recipients or the users do not know how it works. If any modification is required, the same can be done only by the producers who retain the source code.

Here original source code of the software is also given. If required, the users can modify the source code and then compile the software to use it. Thus, the source code is Open ed up.

Thus, Open Source Software is software for which the underlying programming code is also available to the users. They may read it, make changes, and build new versions of the software incorporating their changes.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit corporation formed to educate about and advocate for the benefits of open source and to build bridges among different constituencies in the open-source community. http://www.opensource.org/

Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality , higher reliability , more flexibility , lower cost , and an end to predatory vendor lock-in .

Open source license doesn't just mean access to the source code – it has to meet other criteria as well. The important issue is that the source code should available; there should be permission to modify the source code and further distribute it.

1. Free Redistribution 2. Source Code 3. Derived Works 4. Integrity of The Author's Source Code 5. No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups

6. No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor 7. Distribution of License 8. License Must Not Be Specific to a Product 9. License Must Not Restrict Other Software 10. License Must Be Technology-Neutral

Free software movement was launched in 1983. In 1998, a splinter group of this movement advocated that the term “free” software should be replaced by “open source” software. Problem with “Free” was that it implied “Zero Cost” and not the intended meaning “Freedom”.

GNU GPL Lesser GPL BSD License Mozilla Public License IBM Public License Sun Community Source License

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose ( freedom 0 ). The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish ( freedom 1 ). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor ( freedom 2 ). The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements (and modified versions in general) to the public, so that the whole community benefits ( freedom 3 ). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

Are they different? NO Open Source Software and Free Software for all practical purposes are same . But “ Free ” here actually means Freedom not free of cost “ Free User “ rather “Free Software ”

Linux – an operating system. Apache – widely used web-server software. MySQL – widely relational database software that power most web-based applications. PERL – a scripting language. PHP – a widely used scripting language in dynamic websites. OpenOffice – Office suit like Microsoft Office. Firefox – Internet browsing software like Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

Thunderbird – E-mail client. Audacity – is an open source tool to edit audio. Songbird – is a media player. GIMP – is an Image Editor. GMMP – is a music player. Eclipse – An IDE for C / C++ / Java programming. Gambas – A visual programming language tool just same as V Basic. NASM - Netwide Assembler for assembly programming

Operating system is the software that you use to operate your PC. If the operating system is platform dependent, platform information will belong in the hardware section. Examples: Linux OS Windows

Free Redistribution Reduced dependence on software vendors Easier to customize Higher level of security Use of System Resources

Intended use Commercial support Hardware compatibility Software compatibility Community

GPL License required. All code, whether developed cooperatively or separately, licensed on the same terms. Use of copyright law to restrict downstream “enclosure” . This is the distinction between open source and public domain software.

A very popular open source operating system that runs on a variety of hardware platforms . Linux is widely deployed as a server OS . Linux is a multi-tasking, multiuser operating system. Although modified by numerous people.

Ubuntu Linux Fedora Linux OpenSUSE Linux Mandriva Linux Linux Mint Debian Linux SlackWare Linux

Linux Windows Free of Cost Purchase License Fast Upgrading Slower Upgrading Backward Compatibility Forward Compatibility Multiuser Support Multiuser Support Difficult for Programmer Easy for Programmer

GCC – GNU C Compiler. G++ - GNU C/C++ Compiler. Eclispe – IDE for C/C++/Java programs. GDB – GNU Debugger. NASM – Nwtwide Assembler.

Open source operating systems

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Open source operating systems