Open and closed source software

Open source software

Software that:

• Can be used by anyone without a license.

• Is distributed with the source code.

Closed source software

Software that:

• Requires the user to hold an appropriate license to use it.

• Users cannot access the source code as the company owns the copyright license.

Advantages of open source

• Can be modified and improved by anyone

• Technical support from online community

• Can be modified and sold on

Advantages of closed source software to a user

• Thorough, regular and well-tested updates

• Company owning software provides expert support and user manuals.

• High levels of security as developed professionally.

Disadvantages of open source software

• Support available online may be insufficient or incorrect.

• No user manuals

• Lower security as may not be developed in a controlled environment

Disadvantages of closed source software

• License restricts how many people can use the software at once

• Users cannot modify and improve software themselves