Open Source Software is among connoisseurs very popular. Many factors contribute to this. It is precisely the variety but also the free aspect of many on the Open Source bandwagon to jump up. We explain to you, what is it actually using the term Open Source is and what he means.

What is Open Source?

Many use so-called Open Source Software. In most cases, however, is a completely false Association set up. Open Source is not - as is often mistakenly assumed - free Software.

Definition
By Definition is Open Source Software will always be given if the source code is openly available. This means that third parties can easily view and also can customize. Open Source is more than just a condition. Rather, it is an idea to a great movement.

How do I know Open Source?
Open Source Software is for the layman hard to detect, since such applications is usually not particularly prominent on the facts of this case. Visible the Whole thing is mostly due to the enclosed license terms, the Open Source nature of clues. So about a GPL license or the like. Usually you will also during the installation process, on the facts of the matter are made aware that there is an Open Source application.

SourceForge
The Central contact point for Open Source programs is the Portal SourceForge. SourceForge hosts many different Open Source applications from different areas. Of course all free of charge. If you are looking for a specific application, you can directly at SourceForge perform a search. It is recommended here, a search with English words. So if you are a Software to Capture the desktop search, enter optimally, "a desktop recorder" in the search box. Then provides you with SourceForge numerous applications, the undersigned, be suitable.

Frequently asked questions

In the context of around Open Source, Freeware, Shareware, and many other concepts, there are always questions. Below, we have the most important questions are summarized and answered:

Is Open Source, free of charge?
Open Source Software is not necessarily free of charge, but is it, in almost all cases. Because the source code is openly available, makes a price no sense. Finally, everyone could the source code to compile yourself and the application then. Accordingly, the answer must be that Open Source Software is always free of charge. So you don't have to worry about any hidden costs that will eventually come to you.

Differences between Open Source and Freeware
Open source Software is, as the Name already says, are open source. The source code of the Software is so for all to see. In the case of simple Freeware, this is not usually the case. The or the programmers make the application is available for free (Freeware), the source code for the application, publish, but mostly not, so that third parties are also no detailed insight into the structure of the application.

Differences between Open Source and Shareware
Open Source and Shareware are far away from each other. Shareware is as Freeware is not open source. Third parties may, therefore, not on the source code for the Shareware application access. At the same time include Shareware applications, however, a further disadvantage. They are in the range of features usually restricted. In order to use the full functionality, you need to get as a user of a full license of the application of purchase. Alternatively, there are also Shareware applications, by penetrating the advertising space at the Start or Stop the application stand out.

Differences between Open Source and Freeware How do I know Open Source? Software What is Open Source?