Free software and open-source software share the ability for users to access, view, and modify the source code and distribute original or modified versions of the software. However, they differ from each other on various parameters. This article will discuss the differences between free and open-source software based on several parameters.

Table of Content

Free Software vs Open Source Software: Difference Between Free Software and Open Source Software
What is Free Software?
What is Open Source Software?

What is the difference between free software and open-source software?

Aspect	Free Software	Open-Source Software
Philosophy	Emphasizes freedom to use, modify, and distribute software.	Focuses on the practical benefits of sharing code.
Origins	Rooted in the free software movement started by Richard Stallman in 1983.	Originated from the more business-friendly approach of the open-source initiative in 1998.
Primary Objective	Freedom for users and developers.	Open collaboration and improved software quality.
License Requirements	Must allow for redistribution and modification.	It may not require the preservation of freedom in derivative works.
Distribution	Can be paid or free of charge.	Can be paid or free of charge.
Modification of Software	Allows users to modify and redistribute modified versions.	Allows modification but does not require sharing improvements.
Typical Licenses	GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Affero General Public License	Apache License, MIT License, BSD Licenses
Community Control	Strong emphasis on community governance and ethical use.	More focus on development efficiency and corporate involvement.
Examples	GNU/Linux, GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)	Apache HTTP Server, Mozilla Firefox, Chromium

What is Free Software?

Free software, as defined by the Free Software Foundation (FSF), is software that grants users four essential freedoms:

Features and Characteristics of Free Software

Freedom to Run the Program: Users can run the program for any purpose, i.e., there are no restrictions on how the software can be used, whether for personal, educational, or commercial purposes.
Freedom to Study and Modify the Program: Users can access the source code, a prerequisite for this freedom. This allows them to understand how the program works and tailor it to their needs.
Freedom to Redistribute Copies: Users can freely distribute copies of the software to help others.
Freedom to Distribute Modified Versions: This extends the ability to modify the software to include distributing your modified versions, allowing the community to benefit from your changes.

Properties of Free Software

Transparency: Due to the availability of source code, users can inspect the software for malicious functionalities or security vulnerabilities.
Community-Centric Development: Development often occurs community-driven, where users and developers collaborate to improve the software.
Cost: Free software can be available at no cost, but 'free' primarily refers to freedom, not price. Developers can charge for free software.
License Compliance: Free software must be distributed under a license that upholds these freedoms. Standard licenses include the GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Affero General Public License, and others.
Security and Reliability: Open development allows for rapid identification and fixing of bugs and security flaws.
Flexibility and Customizability: Users can modify the software to fit their needs.
Ethical Considerations: Often, the development and use of free software align with certain ethical principles like user privacy and avoiding vendor lock-in.
Interoperability: Free software often adheres to open standards, enhancing compatibility with other software and systems.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Software

Advantages	Disadvantages
Freedom and Flexibility	Support and Documentation
Users have the freedom to use, modify, and distribute.	Often lacks comprehensive, official support and documentation.
Community Support	Compatibility Issues
Benefits from a community-driven support system.	May have compatibility issues with proprietary systems or software.
Transparency and Security	User-Friendly Interface
Source code access allows for auditing and verification.	It might lack a polished, user-friendly interface compared to proprietary software.
Cost-Effectiveness	Market Dominance of Proprietary Software
Often available for free or at a lower cost.	The dominance of proprietary software can limit exposure and integration.
Encourages Innovation	Learning Curve
Open-source nature encourages innovation and collaboration.	It might require more technical skill to use and configure.
Avoids Vendor Lock-in	Limited Commercial Incentive
Reduces dependency on specific vendors.	May have slower development or updates due to lack of commercial funding.
Ethical Computing	Hardware Compatibility
Aligns with principles of digital rights and ethical computing.	Can have issues with hardware compatibility and drivers.

What is Open Source Software?

Open-source software (OSS) is software whose source code is open and can be modified and shared. It is governed by a set of principles and practices for creating and distributing software.

Features and Characteristics:

Accessibility of Source Code: The source code of open-source software is freely available to anyone, allowing users to study, change, and improve the software.
Collaborative Development: Development often occurs community-driven, where individual developers and organizations contribute to the source code.
Freedom to Modify and Redistribute: Users can modify and redistribute copies of the software. However, depending on the specific open-source license, modifications may or may not have to be shared with the community.
Diverse Licensing: Open-source licenses can vary. Some, like the GNU General Public License (GPL), require derivative works also to be open-source (copyleft). Others, like the MIT or Apache licenses, are more permissive.

Properties of Open-Source Software:

Transparency: Users can examine the code to understand how the software works and to ensure it does not perform unwanted actions.
Cost-effectiveness: While open-source software can be sold, it's often available for free, reducing user costs.
Community Support: A robust community often surrounds open-source projects, providing support, documentation, and continuous improvement.
Security: With many eyes on the code, vulnerabilities can be identified and fixed quickly, though this depends on the level of community engagement.
Innovation: Open-source allows for rapid innovation as developers worldwide contribute improvements and new features.
Interoperability: Open-source software often adheres to open standards, making operating with other software and systems easier.
Flexibility and Customizability: Users can tailor the software to their specific needs, an important advantage for businesses.
Variety of Applications: Open-source software spans all kinds of applications, from operating systems (like Linux) to web browsers (like Mozilla Firefox), indicating its versatility.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Source Software

Advantages	Disadvantages
Cost-Effectiveness	Varied Quality
Often available for free or at lower costs.	Quality can vary greatly between projects.
Flexibility and Freedom	Support and Maintenance
Users have the freedom to modify and adapt the software.	May lack professional support; reliance on community-driven support.
Community-Driven Development	Compatibility Issues
Benefits from contributions of a global developer community.	Might face compatibility issues with proprietary hardware or software.
Transparency and Security	Complex User Experience
Open code allows for transparency and security auditing.	Can be less user-friendly, catering more to technically savvy users.
Innovation	Commercial Support and Reliability
Encourages innovation through collaborative development.	Commercial support may be less reliable compared to proprietary software.
Interoperability and Standards Compliance	Resource Intensive for Organizations
Often adheres to open standards, enhancing interoperability.	Implementing and maintaining can be resource-intensive for organizations.
Avoidance of Vendor Lock-in	Intellectual Property and Licensing Complexity
Reduces dependency on specific vendors.	Navigating licensing and intellectual property issues can be complex.
Large Talent Pool	Hardware Compatibility
Access to a large pool of developers and experts.	Sometimes it lacks drivers and support for the latest hardware.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the difference between Free and Open Source Software. Apart from that we have also discussed the characteristics, properties, advantages and disadvantages too.

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Difference Between Free and Open Source Software