In the computing domain, thousands of commercial-quality, free-software applications are available. Organizations are often unaware that this free software exists, as opposed to proprietary software with flashy advertizing.
To help understand what is free in “free software”, an analogy with baking can be made. A computer program is like a cake: programmers do not make the software just as it is when you receive it, like a baker does not bake a cake as it is when you buy it at the bakery. The baker follows a recipe, mixes several ingredients and, when the mix is ready, it is placed in the oven. The chemical process during cooking modifies the properties of the cake to make it into a delicious dessert. To go from cake back to mix is impossible.
Programs are written like recipes: programmers describe how the program will react to situations and how it will carry out the operations. That is called the “source code”. Once the source code has been written, the program is compiled, which transforms the code into ready-to-use software. To go from software back to source code is extremely difficult.
When a computer program is called free software, it means that the recipe is delivered along with the software, and that anyone has the right to reproduce it, with or without modifications. Moreover, anyone can redistribute the software, with or without modifications, on the only condition that the recipe is delivered along with it, or in some way made available free of charge. The goal of free software is to reuse recipes created by others to make new or improved dishes, and to make them available free of charge
In the case of proprietary software, users’ licenses make it impossible for anyone to have access to the recipe. The goal behind this is to create one’s own recipe, to keep it secret, and to make as much profit as possible by selling the end product.
Initially, university researchers were responsible for the evolution of free software recipes. Then, programmers got involved and maintained and improved the programs. They collaborated for the simple pleasure of sharing knowledge, for the common good.
Over the past few years, certain software development companies have joined the ranks by sharing the recipes of their own software, or by participating in communities built around existing free software. Governments and various social groups are also getting involved, as shown by this Canadian Government study on free software.
Today, free software is created by programming specialists on an even keel with commercial solutions. The difference residing in the manner in which the role players collaborate to create the programs and control their quality. There is often a large development team behind free software, working as a community.
With all the new organizations joining the free software movement, the quality, diversity, and development rate of the software is rapidly evolving. The largest free software collaboration and download Website is sourceforge.net, a “virtual” proof of the pudding.
The free software movement is a huge technology basin where everyone can use and/or modify any program. The result is that the software developed covers a wide range of domains; the programs evolve quickly, and are used by many organizations around the globe.
Click here now to see all the advantages of using free software in your organization.