OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE Wiki 5 – semester 2

Open source software

Open source software allows users to download the program for free and allows them to edit the program as much as they like as it allows access to the source code.

Shareware

Share ware is software which users can download and trial. Usually only very few functions

work and for continued use the user has to pay for it.

Freeware

Freeware is software which is free to download from but unlike open source does not provide the source code.

Graphic design

One of the most popular open source software for graphic design is GIMP also known as GNU Images Manipulations Program. The advantage of the program is that it is free and that it uses open source coding which means anyone can alter the program to their requirements. The problem with this program however is that it only supports RGB colour well. Internet One of the most common open source internet browsers is Mozilla. It provides a more secure alternative to the internet explorer however there are a few bugs but nothing too serious. The other problem is that some web sites cannot be viewed as the web author has not made it compatible. Personal Productivity

Open office is a form of personal productivity software. It is an equivalent of the Microsoft range and performs the same function the different being that it is open source and free. The programs also save in the MS format by default to allow compatibility. There are a few problems including taking up more space and being slower. Animation

Pencil is a 2D animation open source program using GNU licensing agreement that runs of a range of operating systems. The program is great for those who wish to have a go at animation but for those in the industry it would not be suitable due to not having all the required features of adobe software and that few would use it making it hard to share your work with others in the industry due to compatibility issues.