When it comes to proprietary closed source software, this software is copyrighted and exclusively owned by the person or company that had the software copyrighted. Users of the software are not allowed to make any changes to the software without the owners consent and must only use and obtain the software if a license is purchased from the owner or company. In some cases, this software can only run add on components from the proprietary owner. Owners also charge a price for their software, which is part of the licensing agreement with the perspective end user. Closed source software is also known to provide some type of technical support and warranty, which is part of the licensing agreement. So if the user is having problems or experience some type of malfunction, they are guaranteed to receive some type of assistance should a problem arise.

Open Source software on the other hand is not licensed exclusively under the same rights as closed sourced program. This type of software is available under a free license that allow others to do further research on the software as well as making modifications to it. Since it is under a free license the software is normally free of charge for users. Open source software can also be distributed through various forms compared to the restricted distribution of close source software. Open source software is also not under any type of warranty as the software is free. So if a user happens to have some type of malfunction with open source software, they are not guaranteed any type of documentation or support that as assist them with the problem they are having with the software.

One example of a closed source database is Microsoft Access. This software is licensed and created by Microsoft Incorporated to used by users that find a need for this software. Access is also copyrighted software, which means the software cannot be copied or used unless it has been given approval from Microsoft. Access has to be purchased by the user and must agree and abide by Microsoft terms and conditions. This software must be activated by the user to prove the software in use is an authentic and genuine copy of the software. Microsoft have also prevented users from being able to modify the source code of the application as well as the user interface. With the software being licensed by Microsoft, technical support and documentation is available to users in the event of a malfunction of the software.

An example of an open source database would be Base, which is part of an open source office suite known as Open Office. Open Office was once owned by Sun but now belongs to Oracle. Using base, the user has the ability to use, distribute and modify the software without having to worry about copyright issues. Another notable difference in the Base application is the fact that it uses the standard open document format. This program is available for free and no license on activation is required for users to use the software. Similar to Microsoft Access, Open Office Base has the ability to utilize raw SQL code. Users also have the ability to import standard Microsoft Access data is they choose to do so, even though compatibility between the two programs is not 100%.