Looking for software for their companies business owners often face a difficult choice between closed source and open source software. The thing is that the choice is not always obvious, as each of the software has its particularities with a mix of advantages and disadvantages.
In this article we will get open source vs closed source software explained and speak about their differences, but before it let's clarify what open source and closed source software are.
5 Differences Between Open Source and Closed Source Software
Open source software (OSS) refers to the software which uses the code freely available on the Internet. The code can be copied, modified or deleted by other users and organizations. As the software is open to the public, the result is that it constantly updates, improves and expands as more people can work on its improvement.
Some examples of open source software are Firefox, OpenOffice, Gimp, Alfresco, Android, Zimbra, Thunderbird, MySQL, Mailman, Moodle, TeX, Samba, Perl, PHP, KDE etc.
Closed source software (CSS) is opposite to OSS and means the software which uses the proprietary and closely guarded code. Only the original authors of software can access, copy, and alter that software. In a case with closed source software, you are not purchasing the software, but only pay to use it.
Some examples of closed source software are Skype, Google earth, Java, Adobe Flash, Virtual Box, Adobe Reader, Microsoft office, Microsoft Windows, WinRAR, mac OS, Adobe Flash Player etc.
For better understanding the peculiarities of open source software and closed source software, we have made a comparison of five basic aspects: pricing, security, support, source availability, and usability.
See: 12 Aspects for Good Software
1. Price Policy
Open source often referred as free of cost software. It can, however, have costs for extras like assistance, additional services or added functionality. Thus, you may still pay for a service with OSS.
Closed source software is usually a paid software. The costs can vary depending on the complexity of the software. While the price can be higher, what you get is a better product, full support, functionality and innovation. However, most companies provide free trials to convince the purchaser that their software is the right fit.
2. Security
The question of security is very controversial as each software has two sides of the coin. The code of open source software can be viewed, shared and modified by the community, which means anyone can fix, upgrade and test the broken code. The bugs are fixed quickly, and the code is checked thoroughly after each release. However, because of availability, the source code is open for hackers to practice on.
On the contrary, closed source software can be fixed only by a vendor. If something goes wrong with the software, you send a request and wait for the answer from the support team. Solving the problem can take much longer than compared to OSC.
When it comes to choosing the most secure software, the answer is that each of them has its pros and cons. Thus, it is often a challenge for firms that work in a particular industry.
3. Quality of Support
Comparing open source and closed source software support, it is obvious that CSS is predominant in this case. The costs for it include an option to contact support and get it in one business day in most cases. The response is well organized and documented.
For open source software, such an option is not provided. The only support options are forums, useful articles, and a hired expert. However, it is not surprising that using such kind of service you will not receive a high level of response.
4. Source Code Availability
Open source software provides an ability to change the source code without any restrictions. Individual users can develop what they want and get benefits from innovation developed by others within the user community. As the source code is easily accessible, it enables the software developers to improve the already existing programs.
Сlosed source software is more restricted than open source software because the source code cannot be changed or viewed. However, such limitation is what may contribute to CSS security and reliability.
5. Usability
Usability is a painful subject of open source software. User guides are written for developers rather than to layperson users. Also, these manuals are failing to conform to the standards and structure.
For closed source software usability is one of the merits. Documentation is usually well-written and contains detailed instructions.
Bonus: Difference between open source software and closed source software in tabular form
Difference between Open Source Software and Closed Source Software :
| S.No. | OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE | CLOSED SOURCE SOFTWARE |
|---|---|---|
| 01. | Open source software refers to the computer software which source is open means the general public can access and use. | Closed source software refers to the computer software which source code is closes means public is not given access to the source code. |
| 02. | Open Source Software in short also referred as OSS. | Closed Source Software in short also referred as CSS. |
| 03. | The source code of open source software is public. | In closed source software the source code is protected. |
| 04. | This code can be modified by other users and organizations means that the source code is available for anyone to look at. | The only individual or organization who has created the software can only modify the code. |
| 05. | The price of open source software is very less. | The price of closed source software is high. |
| 06. | There is no so much restrictions on users based on usability and modification of software. | There is so much restrictions on users based on usability and modification of software. |
| 07. | Programmers compete with each other for recognition. | Programmers do not compete with each other for recognition. |
| 08. | Programmers freely provide improvement for recognition if their improvement is accepted. | Programmers are hired by the software firm/organization to improve the software. |
| 09. | If the program is popular then very large number of programmers may work on the project. | There is a limitation on the number of programmers/team who will work on the project. |
| 10. | It is purchased with its source code. | It is not purchased with its source code. |
| 11. | Open software can be installed into any computer. | Closed software needs have a valid license before installation into any computer. |
| 12. | Open source software fails fast and fix faster. | Closed source software has no room for failure. |
| 13. | In closed source software no one is responsible for the software. | In closed source software the vendor is responsible if anything happened to software. |
| 14. | Examples are Firefox, OpenOffice, Gimp, Alfresco, Android, Zimbra, Thunderbird, MySQL, Mailman, Moodle, TeX, Samba, Perl, PHP, KDE etc. | Examples are Skype, Google earth, Java, Adobe Flash, Virtual Box, Adobe Reader, Microsoft office, Microsoft Windows, WinRAR, mac OS, Adobe Flash Player etc. |
