...Open/closed source operating systems Scott Delaney POS/355 Introduction to Operational Systems June 8, 2014 Jeff Rugg Open/closed source operating systems There is often confusion over what is and what is not an open source operating system is. For example most people believe that if the operating system is free it is open source. Open source does not refer to whether the program is free or not, but the source code of the operating system being open to the public to change and improve upon (D'Amico, 2009). Traditionally open source operating systems are free of charge. A good example of a true open source operation system is ReactOS. This operating system was and is currently developed by a community of developers. ReactOS is unlike most open source operating system and is not Linux based (ReactOS, 2014). This operating system has been written from scratch with the same design principles as Windows NT architecture. The best part of ReactOS is that the drivers and applications that run on Windows can be run on this operating system without any change. This ability can allow the operating system to run on networks that are Windows based. The polar opposite of open source is closed source operating systems an example of this is HP-UX. This is an operating system created by Hewlett-Packard and is UNIX based. HP-UX is based on a traditional open source code but because it is not open to development by a community and is proprietary operating system for Hewlett-Packard...
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...Open and Closed Source Operating System Comparison POS-355 Open and Closed Source Operating System Comparison Open and Closed Source are the two model of how most software is distributed. The open source code is that exactly, free open-sourced code. Meaning the core functions of the written code are given to a potential developer and that developer is able to manipulate, add to, or change any of the functions of the code. This holds true from the basic core functions or the code to small additional code snippets. FOSS or free and open source software do not typically limit or inhibit the use of the software. However with all of this free distribution, there can be some open sourced software that might have license-based restrictions or redistribution. These restrictions are not overwhelming though. The software can be re-distributed for free, after a developer has modified the code, as long as credit is given to the original manufacturer. FOSS also allows for the code to be modified and then re-compiled, so it can be sold as a complete project. Some examples of this type of re-distribution is Red Hat Inc. Red Hat Inc. takes different pieces of code, pieces it together into a really nice and user friendly interface, and then Red Hat re-distributes this re-compiled code as Red Hat Linux. There have many different flavors and iterations, but as long as Red Hat gives credit in the development to the originally creator, there is no problem with Red Hat re-distributing this...
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...Operating Systems Operating system is a software program that operates and manages computer hardware and software components. An operating system can be categorized either as an open source operating system or a closed operating system on the basis of the source code availability for alteration and modification. An operating system that copies the source code into the system when operating installed whereas a closed operating system does not allow viewing, modifying, or updating the source, it only installs the executable files when this operating system is installed into any of the operating systems. Examples of open source operating systems are Linux, UNIX etc., and closed operating systems examples are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X etc. Open source and closed source operating systems comparison Open-source operating will allow access to the source code by the users and programmers to make alterations. As source code is available in the public he person who has programming skills can read the source code and modify the code or here she can add some advanced functions in the existing operating system which can debug the code. In most cases new versions of the open source operating systems are introduced by the Open Source community programmers that debug the product for a special reason and make your own personalized version of the product. Possibilities in the personalize open-source product are limitless. As open-source product...
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...Economics of Open Source Software Development Jiirgen Bitzer and Philipp J. H. Srhroder (Editurs) O 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V. Linux vs. Windows: A Comparison of Application and Platform Innovation Incentives for Open Source and Proprietary Software Platforms Nicholas Economides and Evangelos Katsamakas ABSTRACT The chapter analyzes and compares the investment incentives of platform and application developers for Linux and Windows. We find that the level of investment in applications is larger when the operating system is open source rather than proprietary. The comparison of the levels of investment in the operating systems depends, among others, on reputation effects and the number of developers. The chapter also develops a short case study comparing Windows and Linux and identifies new directions for open source software research. Keywords: Open Source Software, operating systems, technology platforms, Linux, innovation incentives. JEL Classification: L 10, L86, L3 1. 10.1 INTRODUCTION Open source software is an emerging type of software that may fundamentally affect the business and economic features of the software industry. Linux, an open source operating system, has been the prominent example of the potential of the open source movement, competing against Microsoft Windows, the incumbent operating system. 208 Nicholas Economides and Evangelos Katsamkas This chapter analyzes the incentives to invest in application software and an operating system under...
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...vs Open Source versus Closed Source Open Source versus Closed Source There are basically two types of operating systems when it comes to how the code is handled. These are open source operating systems and closed source operating systems. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but they both have situations and areas that they work best in. Open source isn’t for everyone, and neither is closed source. It’s always better to have both sides available so there is some variety. Open source and closed source operating systems have are completely different, almost like night and day. Closed source operating systems like Microsoft Windows, for example, are developed by an individual or a company. The final product is available to run on a system, however all the source code, the recipe for the operating system, is kept secret and no one except the developers have access to it. The closed source operating system is exactly the opposite, because the source code is made readily available to the user, and if they have programming knowledge, they can debug it and tweak it into their own style. Basically they can personalize it to fit what suits them and their needs. Closed source operating systems, such as Windows can definitely meet the needs in a market. Because people pay for closed source operating systems, they can be guaranteed to get documentation and support for the software. One bad thing about closed source software is that developers often rush it...
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...infancy. Developing operating systems, the essential program for any computer system, is still evolving as the industry continues to grow. Software development has a unique attribute that sets it apart from other industries. Software can be developed once and then replicated for virtually no cost to be distributed to end users. All operating systems currently on the market have been created as a result of open- or closed-source software development. The major difference between the two development philosophies is the privacy of the source code, particularly whether or not it is available to the public for evaluation, modification, and redistribution. Closed-source operating systems like Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s Mac OS are more widely used in homes and businesses desktop and laptop computers. Although not as readily adopted, open-source operating systems offer viable alternatives to closed-source. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages associated with them. Closed-source software development more closely resembles the business philosophy used by other industries. Closed-source operating systems are developed by an individual, or team, and made available for purchase to the public. The source-code, however, is never revealed to the public. The product purchased is merely an executable file. The final product cannot legally be modified, sold, or distributed without permission from the copyright owner. In essence, purchasing a closed-source operating system allows the end...
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...Operating systems are a necessity when dealing with computers. Without an operating system, it will be hard to run any program on your computer. There are two types of operating systems an open source and a closed source. Depending on what you want in your operating system, whether you are looking to run your programs or want to be able to program your system will depend on what system you are looking for. There are so many factors that go into making an operating system run the way a person expects. Many of them are done without us even knowing unless you are well educated in the way an operating system operates. Take the open source operating system, the source code is open to the public, and you are also able to change anything you like free of charge. Open source allows you to be able to look at the programming code and debug any problems that you could come across. Most of the time the people that use this type of source are educated programmers that understand the in and outs of an operating system. Because an open source is available to everyone, there are constant updates to this type of operating system. Also since the code is included in the program, it makes it very easy to make any additions to the program. This will give you the best chance of using a bug free operating system. Also, an open source system has no charges that come along with it. Many people have different uses for the same operating system, and an open source allows you to customize it the way you...
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...Open source and closed source operating systems Dennys Bayona Yevgeniy Tovshteyn University Of Phoenix Computer and Operating System Components Date: 5-May-15 Closed-source operating systems are systems that are owned by an organisation and sold for a profit to its customers. The OS systems uses codes that are proprietary and kept secret to prevent its use by other identities. While open-source operating systems employs the use of code that is freely distributed to every other user thus available for everyone to use, besides can be used for commercial purposes without any problem. The two type of operating systems can be differentiated in respect to the following factors. 1. Bug Free and Source Availability Closed Source Operating Systems don't reveal their source code; as a result the only people who can debug the source code are some of those who work in the company. The budget for the debugging is always limited. If there is a vulnerability in the code, it must be discovered by the company itself (Anderson, 2002); because there are a limited number of developers assigned to the project, it is possible that the vulnerability will go unnoticed. Open Source systems, as the name indicate, make all their source code available to the public. Everyone who knows enough programming skills, and is willing to read the source code, can debug it. In fact, this makes the debuggers numerous and worldwide. They read the source and debug it for their own reasons: maybe to help...
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...Closed and Open Source There are a lot of things that go into a practical and an efficient operating system; one of which consist of a closed and an open source. To understand the sources of an operating system, it is best to find out and figure out what closed and open source is. Closed and Open source can be a disadvantage or an advantage of software development and cost sharing. The initial step is to recognize what it means to have a closed or open system, and what components are needed and will make up the requirement for software or an application to function. With both closed and open sources functioning differently as to how the system is programmed and structured and how the system will function within a software application or program. OPEN SOURCE Operating systems of an open source can be defined as free software developed by corporations or individuals to develop an alternate to not having to rely on any individual or one company to modify or change the software and maximize its used for the individuals or companies' advantages. Open source are typically free to use by each individual or companies to modify and changed without having to worry about the licensing and compliance to the original developer of the software being used. These are the advantages to an open source system. * Unlimited Community Support: With the public support, the alteration and transformation of the system is more frequently, more elaborating on time to develop a greater...
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...Open Source and Closed Source Operating Systems POS/355 Jim W November 3, 2013 History repeats once again and proves that the saying, (two heads are better than one) continues to be true! The movement for the collaboration of the thinkers, inventors, and creators; to come together and share ideas and concepts that advance the development of mature and immature open source code is here to stay. The original hackers from the 1950’s (computer enthusiasts’) at MIT’s Tech Railroad Club left their programs in drawers for others to work on. This concept of sharing and developing source code for a wide range of functionality continues to enable programmers and students to use source code as a learning tool that sparks worldwide innovation! Open Source operating systems are usually free OS’s that can be manipulated via the source code format rather than the compiled binary code format, which is only available by closed source code. There are quite a few different open source code providers with the three most popular being GNU/Linux, BSD UNIX, and Solaris. Not only did the GNU/Linux open source operating system serve the standard OS features and function, it also produced many UNIX-compatible tools, including utilities, compilers and editors, but never released a kernel. The advantage of collaboration of the open source OS, Linus Torvalds, a student from Finland released a rudimentary UNIX-like kernel using the GNU compilers and tools and invented contributions worldwide. This...
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...Open/Closed Source Heidi Mitchum POS 355 May 6, 2013 Michele Gamberutti Open/Closed Source The background behind an operating system stems into different branches of a tree. There are many items that go into a functional operating system. One of which includes open and closed source. To understand what may be a source for an operating system is the first step to understand what an open or closed source is. Even though at times it can be a wasteful effort, open/closed sources can be an advantage of cost sharing and software development. First it is a good idea to find out what it means to have a open or closed source system, meaning components that make up the functions needed for an application or software. With both open and closed working very differently as to how the system is developed and how they run within a software program or application. Each of these sources will be discussed. Open source systems are typical used for everyone to see and for anyone to use, and this is why the name is open. There are advantages to having an open source system which include: • Larger Development Support – Giving a large support system the developers feel as though they can make changed when and where every needed (Vidal, 2013). • Customizable – Having full control of the system gives developers a sense of control to make changes to the programs for advancement in all areas (Vidal, 2013). • Security – Having two eyes is better than one, having more security...
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...Closed Source Vs Open Source Pao Yang POS/335 03/06/2013 Mr. STERNIERI Closed Source Vs Open Source In the world of operating system we have two options to choose from these is Unix/Linux which is an open source, meaning that its source code made available and licensed with an open source license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study change and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. The other option is the closed source such as Microsoft’s Window which is software released or distributed without the corresponding source code. Generally, it means only the binaries of a computer program are distributed and the license provides no access to the program's source code. The source code of such programs might be regarded as a trade secret of the company. Access to source code by third parties commonly requires the party to sign a non-disclosure agreement. I also will like to discuss what source codes are and why having the right combination will give us free bees. What some of the major differences between an open source and a closed source? I see it all over the internet the heated debate of which is better open source or closed source and even though both sides have good supporting evidence to back up their claim about every from which is more secured to who has the better functional software. The argument of Windows vs. Linux is a greatly debated one, and in recent years has become quite heated. Because Microsoft's attempt to recover...
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...Abstract Linux and Microsoft operating systems have been developed and marketed in two very different ways. Microsoft has become synonymous with monopoly and substandard software, while Linux is based on free, open source and the concept of open standards, full disclosure and sharing. Microsoft attempts to discourage consumers from using the Linux solution by suggesting that the operating system is less than perfect, yet it remains blind to its own operating system's problems existent within Windows 95/98 and Windows NT. It's a well-known fact that Microsoft dominate the software market despite these facts. Are they operating within legal and ethical boundaries? And is it possible that they could fall from grace because of this? `When you say "I wrote a program that crashed Windows", people just stare at you blankly and say "Hey, I got those with the system, *for free*".' (Linus Torvalds) Introduction Linux and Microsoft operating systems have been marketed very differently. The objectives of the two factions are very different indeed. One seems to be oriented towards market domination, market cornering and making the most amount of money it can, and the other towards creating a free, open source operating system. This may sound too simplistic with the two extremities, and may be a bit more complicated. This report will investigate into the differences in the way that the Linux and Microsoft operating systems have been developed and marketed, and how Microsoft...
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...Operating Systems: Open or Closed Source Donald C. Dodd POS 355 06/09/2014 Dr. Bruce Huang Operating Systems: Open or Closed Source One of the biggest questions when choosing an operating system is whether it is free or not. Let’s face it cost face it cost is always going to be part of a deciding factor when it comes to making a decision in business. And free always sounds good but usual comes with some type of string attached. In this paper I will discuss what are open and closed source operating systems (better known as OS) and how they differ. As well I will discuss some of what you can expect and what not to expect from open and closed operating systems. And lastly I will give examples of each a closed and open OS. OS is often confused with things like word and excel but those are really applications that run within an OS. These applications are members of the Microsoft Office suite that is compatible with the Windows OS. The windows OS is an example of a closed operating system. What is a closed OS? A closed OS is an OS that the source code is kept private. Closed OS’s are typically made by one company and only the final product is made public. (You will see beta versions but typically these are close to final products). With closed OS’s you need to by licensing to make it work, without a valid license the OS may become inoperable thus rendering your computer useless when the companies “trail” period ends (usual within 30 days of installation). After purchasing...
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...In the world, the most widely used operating system is Windows. In my 3 years in Mercy College I observed that all computers in the school or most personal Laptops of the students is running on version of Windows. But is Windows really the most efficient operating system? The majority of common users will have to agree, but a select few believe otherwise. Many programmers and computer enthusiasts believe Linux to be a far more efficient and usable system because of its flexibility and efficient code. Even so, among the common users, Linux is probably the least known and most underused computer system in the world. The objective of this paper is to determine which system truly is better for users both common and adept. This research compares both operating systems with each other as to determine which is more customizable, easier use, and faster to run. To provide an objective and thorough comparison, this paper looks at key features present in each operating system. After assessing each system, it can be concluded that, although Windows is definitely more widely used than Linux, Linux is the better operating system because of its usability, open source code, and efficient language. However, before analyzing the necessary components, ample background for each operating system must first be provided. The main objective of Windows was "...to provide a personal computing environment for the common user," (Alampay) the common user being people who don't have in-depth knowledge...
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