There are many differences between open source operating systems and closed source operating systems. Here we’ll just touch on a few.
What is Open Source? Freedom!
This is the most important thing users need to know. Whether I plan to modify the code or not, others’ well-intentioned modifications should not be restricted. And if users like it, they can share this software. With open source software, all of this is possible.
Closed source operating system license terms are quite intimidating. But does everyone really read them? No, many users just click ‘Accept’.
Price
Almost all open source operating systems are free. There are only voluntary donations. And with just one CD/DVD or USB, you can install the system on all the computers you want to install it on.
Closed source operating systems are much more expensive compared to open source OS. If you use it to build a PC, each PC will cost you no less than $100.
We can use the money spent on closed source software to buy better things.
Choice
There are many distributions of open source operating systems. If you don’t like the current one, you can try other distributions and always find the one that suits you.
Distributions like Ubuntu studio, Bio Linux, Edubuntu, Kali Linux, Qubes, SteamOS are distributions created for specific user groups.
Is there such a thing as “choice” for closed source software? I don’t think so.
Privacy
Open source operating systems don’t need to collect user data information. They won’t display ads based on users’ personalities, nor will they sell your information to third-party organizations. If developers need funding, they’ll ask for donations or place ads on their websites. The content of ads will also be related to Linux, beneficial and harmless to us.
You must know that mainstream closed source operating system (no need to name it, everyone knows), reportedly because of collecting user information, caused most users to turn off their free update service. Most users of that system turned off the update function to avoid upgrades; they’d rather bear security risks than get free updates.
Security
Open source software is mostly secure. The reasons include not only low market share, but its own composition is also relatively secure. For example, Qubes OS is one of the most secure operating systems, it isolates running software from each other.
Closed source operating systems compromise for usability, making them increasingly fragile.
Hardware Support
Most of us have old PCs at home that we don’t want to throw away. At this time, a lightweight distribution might give these old machines new life. You can try the lightweight operating system distributions listed in the article 5 Lightweight Linux for Old Computers. Linux-based systems almost include drivers for all devices, so you basically don’t need to find and install drivers yourself.
Closed source operating systems from time to time stop supporting old hardware, forcing users to buy new hardware. We also have to find and install drivers ourselves.
Community Support
Almost all open source operating systems have user forums where you can ask questions and get answers from other users. People there share tips and tricks, helping each other. Experienced Linux users are often happy to help newcomers, and they often spare no effort for this.
Closed source operating system communities simply cannot compare with open source operating system communities. Questions raised often go unanswered.
Commercialization
Making money on operating systems is very difficult. (Open source) developers generally earn money through user donations and placing ads on websites. Donations are mainly used to pay for hosting costs and developer salaries.
Many closed source operating systems not only make money by selling software licenses, but also make a lot of money by pushing ads.
Bloatware
I admit some open source operating systems provide some applications we might never use in our lifetime, and some people think they are bloatware. But there are also distributions that only provide minimal installation, which doesn’t include these unwanted software. So, this isn’t really a problem.
And all closed source operating systems contain manufacturer-installed bloatware, forcing you to install it, just like installing a clean system.
Open source software is more like a philosophy. A way of sharing and learning. Even beneficial to the economy.
We’ve listed what we know. If you think we missed anything, you can comment and let us know.
Compiled from: http://www.linuxandubuntu.com/home/open-source-vs-closed-sourceAuthor: Mohd Sohail
Original: LCTT https://linux.cn/article-7990-1.htmlTranslator: Martin♡Adele
Reposted from: Developer Relations »
