What is an "Open Source" programm?

It is software programmed by one or more people anywhere in the world. Its "sources" (that means the "code" of which it is composed) are accessable to all.
"Propriety" software (such as "Windows", "Photoshop" etc) doesn't share its sources, so you don't have access to the code of which it is composed...

What advantages does "Open Source" offer?

• Most "Open Source" programs are free.
• Because of the accessibility of the code which composes the program, you have the guarantee for example that the software will not send any information about you without your knowledge. You know exactly what the program is doing.
• The continuity of the "Open Source" programs is not dependant on the survival of a particular company. In a word, if "Adobe" for example disappears, "Photoshop" may be affected too. This problem does not occur with "Open Source" software, because it does not belong to any one company. It belongs to everyone and its survival depends on what is called the "community" of its users and programmers.
• You can modify an "Open Source" program. If you don't have a particular feature, you may ask someone else to provide it for you.
• In general you have the right to use these programs as much as and on as many computers as you like without payment.
• Finally, "Open Source" software, and in particular its development, depens on the people who use it. So, it does everything you expect it to.

What does that change for you?

• You can save a lot of money. For example with Microsoft Office: Every computer has to be licenced to use the software, whereas by using "OpenOffice" to do precisely the same things you wouldn't have to pay anything.
• You could use part of the money you saved for hardware and software support or for training for your employees or yourself. In the end you will be much more efficient!
• Since "Open Source" software does not have to be upgraded to keep pace with new developments in the same way as propriety software does, you will be able to use your hardware much longer, under better conditions and without missing out on new technologies. For example you don't need to use "Windows Vista" anymore and have to renew a major part of your hardware in order to be able to use the latest version or this or that software only because it is not compatible with "Windows Vista".

These are only some of the benefits quoted by those who have risen to the challenge.

If your company deals with confidential data where data protection plays a very important part using "Open Source" software should actually be compulsory.
Most of the existing websites are hosted by computers equipped with "Open Source" software like "Linux" or "Apache".

Popular beliefs:

Some people are afraid of using free software because they think it can't be good quality. This is completely wrong - in fact it's the exact opposite. "Open Source" software is generally programmed in the interest of its users while expensive propriety software is created to bring maximum profit to the shareholders of the company.

Others believe that "Open Source" software like "Linux" is too difficult to use. Even if this was the case, it is not true today. It is no more difficult to use than any other propriety competitor.