Open Source Software, Freeware, Learning & More!


 YouTube: IBM Technology


    When I started this week's readings, I seriously thought I was rereading one of my husband's computer science books. The terms open source software, freeware, and shareware are ones that are familiar to me, but I haven't read or thought about them in a long time. 

    As strange as these terms sound to many people, they are the underlying programs that control all that we use and do online. This blog will break down each one and how it helps in learning.

OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE

    Open source software (OSS) is software for which the source code is viewable and changeable by the public, or otherwise "open." When the source code is not viewable and changeable by the public, it's considered "closed" or "proprietary" (Midrack, 2017). 

    The Open Source Initiative (OSI) has set a standard—the "open source definition"—by which software qualifies for an open source license. The software must meet the following criteria:

  • Unrestricted distribution. Users can distribute or sell the software without paying royalties.
  • Source code distribution. The source code of the entire open source product must be easily modifiable. In the absence of the source code, the product must cite a low-cost resource where users can obtain it.
  • Modifications. The license allows modifications, and its terms remain unchanged for distribution of improved versions.
  • Author's source code integrity. If the license allows patch file distribution along with the original source code, a user cannot modify the code and distribute it2 except by giving the new version a new name.
  • No personal discrimination. No person or group shall be discriminated against during open source product distribution.
  • No restriction on application. Open source software can be used in any field and for any purpose.
  • License distribution. The privileges attached to the original program extend to all who receive the program, so recipients do not need to apply for a separate license.
  • License must not be product-specific. The rights associated with a license extend to products extracted from a larger software aggregate.
  • No restriction on other software. No restrictions are allowed on distribution of open source products bundled with products developed on other software platforms.
  • Technology neutrality. Licenses should not be issued on the basis of the specific technology involved.
(Lakhan and Jhunjhunwala, 2008)
    

    The development of three operating systems—UNIX, GNU, and Linux—formed the foundation of the open source movement. From its inception, open source has been closely associated with academia (Lakhan and Jhunjhunwala, 2008).
    
    Open source projects are a part of our daily lives. You might be reading this article on your cell phone or tablet, and if so, you are likely using open source technology right now. The operating systems for both iPhone and Android were originally created using building blocks from open source software, projects, and programs (Midrack, 2017). 
    
    If you are reading this article on your laptop or desktop, are you using Chrome or Firefox as the web browser? Mozilla Firefox is an open source web browser. Google Chrome is a modified version of the open source browser project called Chromium--though Chromium was started by Google developers who continue to play an active role in the updating and additional development, Google has added programming and features (some of which are not open source) to this base software to develop the Google Chrome browser. In fact, the internet as we know it would not exist without OSS (Midrack, 2017).
    
    Many universities have opted for open source learning management systems, in particular. Advantages that have tipped the balance toward open source include the following:


  • The absence of a license fee. Most universities annually pay large sums to software companies to use their products, but open source licenses are free.
  • Flexibility. Open source products are customizable and can involve third parties. New features and tools can be imported from the open source community.
  • Service continuity. The huge collaborative network of the open source community minimizes, although it does not eliminate, the risk of discontinued service. Volunteer help is available through open source support systems such as forums.
  • Continuous improvement. Extensive collaboration ensures that software products keep improving. Programmers from different institutions and organizations, along with volunteers, contribute freely to projects.
  • Tax benefits. Governments of many countries have implemented tax-exemption policies to boost open source projects, although the governmental role in promoting open source software is controversial.
(Lakhan and Jhunjhunwala, 2008)
    
    Open source helps create an environment where people are curating and collaborating together. You can see different elements of technology in an enabled community (Preston, 2013). 
 
    Students now have the capabilities to reach out all throughout the world. Students can create their own opportunities to assess each other (Preston, 2013).
    

    Open source is recreating and reshaping our technology and our daily lives in ways we often don't realize. The global community of programmers who contribute to open source projects continue to grow the definition of OSS and add to the value it brings to our society (Midrack, 2017).

    When learners have permission, they get a sense of value. Ultimately, in our culture, entrepreneurship is a function of value, and entrepreneurship is a function of taking personal responsibility for putting something out there (Preston, 2013). 


 

What is Freeware? 

    Doesn't everybody love free? However, the term Freeware doesn't necessarily mean what you think it does. 
    
    Freeware means that there are no paid licenses required to use the application, no fees or donations necessary, no restrictions on how many times you can download or open the program, and no expiration date. Freeware, however, can still be restrictive in some ways. Free software, on the other hand, is completely and totally void of restrictions and allows the user to do absolutely whatever they
want with the program (Fisher, 2018). 

Advantages of Freeware

One may think that why a developer or an organization will sell its software free of cost. But, there are few reasons to make such software. They are as follows:

  • To promote a particular brand.
  • To promote a program of a non-profit organization or an educational institute.
  • Can help in collecting traffic for a website.
  • Many companies earn revenues by advertising or in-app purchases.
  • Offering a ‘lite’ version of the software to attract people towards the full version.
  • Earning revenues by downloads.
  • People who cannot afford to pay money can buy this software.
  • There is no time limit for usage.

    Basically, freeware is cost-free software and free software is copyright-free software. In other words, freeware is software under copyright but available at no cost; free software is software with no limitations or constraints, but might not actually be free in the sense that there’s no price attached to it (Fisher, 2018). 
    

    
    Freeware often exists to advertise a developer's commercial software. This is usually done by giving out a freeware version with similar but limited features. For example, the freeware edition might have advertisements or some features might be locked down until a license is provided (Fisher, 2018). 

Examples of Freeware

Examples are as follows:

  • Adobe PDF
  • Yahoo Messenger
  • Google Talk
  • MSN messenger
  • Skype
  • VLC Player
  • LibreOffice
  • Microsoft Edge etc.

    One final note, Freeware is the opposite of commercial software. Unlike freeware, commercial programs are only available through a payment and don't normally contain advertisements or promotional alerts (Fisher, 2018). 


(YouTube: MrBrownCS)

What is Shareware? 

    Shareware is software that’s available at no cost and is meant to be shared with others to promote the program, but unlike freeware, is limited in one way or another (Fisher, 2017). At odds with freeware which is intended to be free forever and is often permitted to be used in many different scenarios without a fee, shareware is cost-free but often severely limited in one or more ways, and only fully functional with the use of a paid shareware license (Fisher, 2017). 


    

(Freeware and Shareware YouTube: brock010able)

    Some developers allow their shareware to be upgraded to a paid edition in-place with the use of a license, like a product key or license file. Others might utilize a login screen within the
program that is used to access a user account that contains the valid registration information (Fisher, 2017). 

    

    Shareware is generally safe, but it is never risk-free.

    Malware: Cybercriminals can use shareware to distribute malware using tactics that are similar to those used in other socially engineered attacks. Users are fooled into believing URL links — often in ads — are legitimate. These deceptive links take them to pages where they download malware instead of a safe shareware application.

    Security vulnerabilities: While all types of software are at risk of vulnerabilities and flaws that could lead to malicious attacks, shareware is particularly at risk. Because the programs aren’t fully licensed, patches and upgrades aren't available, and that can put a system at risk. This is especially true when software that is no longer used is left on a computer.

    Sponsored software: Some shareware (and freeware) applications offer users the chance to download another application as an additional option. Secondary programs can help shareware developers earn a commission from each user download. This funding gives them plenty of incentive to encourage these downloads. In fact, the box agreeing to it is often already checked by default, allowing the extra software to download automatically. Although the software could be legitimate, this is also a way for scammers to trick users into unwittingly downloading something malicious.

    Enterprise data leaks: Use of shareware in business and government networks can compound the above risks if sensitive data gets leaked. Data breaches can result from hidden spyware trailing alongside shareware apps, or from poorly managed security in the app itself. Small development teams can’t always maintain their software with proper patches. So, organizations might put themselves and their patrons at risk of unwanted exposure.

(https://usa.kaspersky.com/)


Putting it all together

    This week's readings and videos were very interesting. I'm still learning more about this information. It is interesting to put all this together about all these different types of software. 
    
    Training and research for teachers and educators is needed to help understand how to use these resources and these risks that come with them. Students also need training and understanding. 

    This is my first time reading about open source software, freeware and shareware. I am interested in continuing my study on this subject. 

References

Fisher, T. (2017, November 30). What Is Shareware? Lifewire. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://www.lifewire.com/shareware-definition-4154860?print

Fisher, T. (2018, July 16). What Is Freeware? Lifewire. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://www.lifewire.com/freeware-definition-4154271?print

Lakhan , S., & Jhunjhunwala, K. (2008, May 5). Open Source Software in Education. EDUCAUSE REVIEW. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2008/5/open-source-software-in-education

Midrack, R. L. (2017, August 23). What is Open Source Software? Lifewire. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-open-source-software-4147547?print

(n.d.). Open Source Concepts. Toppr. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://www.toppr.com/guides/computer-science/computer-fundamentals/open-source-concepts/freeware/

(n.d.). What is Shareware? - How it works and how to protect yourself. Kaspersky. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/shareware

Comments

Post a Comment