Lowell Deeds

I was asked to give a little more information on the Open Source software concept I blogged about last week…I am by no means a computer expert so please indulge me. Open source refers to computer software in which the “source code” is made available to the general public. What is the source code? Well, I’d compare it to the program’s DNA. Smart computer people (unlike me) know how to work with “source code”…Open Source software allows them to copy, modify and redistribute a program without paying royalties or fees. Let’s use a food (or more actuately a beverage) analogy…It is like Coca Cola making their “secret formula” public and letting anyone change it and then give the drink away (here you go, try this…I call it TonyCola) . Why would anyone give the formula( or source code) away? The thinking is with large numbers of people creatively contributing to the formula (or software in this case) you have a better drink (or program)…. and since everyone knows the ingredients (source code) there is no concern that your favorite drink will be gone if someday the manufacturer goes out of business…Well, if this explanation seems lame, try “The Real Thing” …The Open Source Initiative