Top 3 misconceptions about open source software

Appeared in the 90s, Open Source software is now an integral part of the computer ecosystem. Firefox, VLC media player, LibreOffice, Keepass, Linux, we have all used Open Source software. However, many preconceived ideas persist about this software model.

What is Open Source?

Before getting into the heart of the matter, it is important to recall the principle of Open Source. An Open Source software gives free access to its code. Anybody can see it and modify it to make the improvements they deem necessary. Developed in a collaborative way,, this model encourages innovation and transparency. In contrast, proprietary software, such as Microsoft Windows and Mac OS, do not give public access to their code, so we cannot view and modify it.

Myth 1: Open source software is not secure

False: Open source software is as secure as proprietary software

Most of the reticence towards Open Source lies in the principle of free access to source code. This contributes to the increase of fears related to piracy. However, open access is not synonymous with weakness. In fact, it offers a ider protection thanks to the multiple rereading of the code. All programmers (professionals, students, ...) can reread the code and thus anticipate potential flaws and debugging. Open Source communities are very reactive. Very often, when a programmer detects a bug, he also makes a patch available to solve it.

The freedom of access to source code is therefore more of a strength than a potential risk

Myth 2: There is no support for open source software

False: some editors offer support services

In the early days of Open Source, users could only rely on their community to help them. Nowadays, many Open Source software editors offer support contracts to their customers. These contracts can give you access to unlimited tickets, a customer-only database, training, ... Some third-party companies and developers also offer support services, such as IBM.

Myth 1: Open source software are free

Faux : all Open Source software are not free, but their source code are

This misconception originated with the American expression, free software. "Free" means "free" or "free" depending on the context, which has created a misunderstanding and misinterpretation by some. In the logic of Open Source, we are on the principle of freedom, hence the free access to the source code without compensation. However, this does not necessarily mean that the software is totally free. You may indeed have to pay for support services or interoperability management. Most editors offer a free version, but with limited functionalitiesYou will therefore have to subscribe to a paid package to access all the modules and services offered.

As you can see, Open Source software is full of advantages and is far from the prejudices we may have. This model is based on freedom (of access, modification and redistribution), transparency and collaboration. It is on these different values that we propose our solution XiVO.