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"Because open source software features open code, more programmers are able to view the code, create new functionality, and fix bugs. This follows the same natural way that science has developed over time." – Taoism of Open Source; Chen Nan Yang; September 29, 2007.
This site is about Free Open Source Software (FOSS), also called Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS), Free Software, and just Open Source. All FOSS licenses specify that the software is available to use, modify, and distribute at no cost.
Most FOSS licenses also include kind of a lawyer's version of the Golden Rule, requiring that software modifications - usually fixes and enhancements - must also be made available in source code under the same license, with permission to use, modify, and distribute at no cost. This naturally creates living software, continually growing the value for all. These licenses are good at generating the trust that leads to large and sustainable communities, and most FOSS is released under licenses with this give-back condition.
FOSS is increasingly the standard for operating systems to user applications, for individuals to large enterprises. It helps reduce costs, avoid lock-in, increase productivity, enhance security, and improve standards compliance. With the best long-term investment protection, FOSS is the lowest risk choice for software systems today. More information can be found in the following sections.
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Additional information can be found at the following pages.
Commercial Open Source Software (COSS) can contain Free Open Source Software components, however limits availability of some functionality to closed proprietary software, and therefore is described on this site only on the COSS page.
