May 20, 2012

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The Advantages of Open Source Software

Logo Open Source Initiative
Image via Wikipedia

Controversy is a certainty – no continental corner is without it; no city street can hide. It is as sure as the exchange of breaths: there will always be questions and there will always be answers that never satisfy. And the Internet is not immune to such concerns. It’s filled to the doubts and hesitation, the battle for permission. And few notions have sparked more indecision than the open source.

Simply defined, this software allows individuals to constantly recreate it. Purposes can be manipulated and given new definitions. They can also then be offered to others, trading codes across the world.

But such distribution has led many to chide the open source. It is considered to be without merit, defying copyrights and refusing the appropriate credit. Many assume it can offer no value and should instead be refused.

The open source provides many distinct advantages, however, and should be praised for its abilities. It is more than free software. It is instead the assurance of ideas.

1. Convenience. No program is without faults nor is any able to appease everyone. Individuals require different specificities to run their careers, their hobbies and their lives. And open source software ensures that those needs can be met. Every code can be altered, allowing for unexpected gains. The intention becomes instead tailored for the user.

2. Progress. The Internet was born to change. It cannot sustain itself with dull software and waning interests. It instead must be infused with constant progress and new ideas. The open source option ensures that this continues. Individuals will find themselves greeted with concepts never before considered. This allows for invention to remain possible.

3. Cost. The purchase of new software is not always possible with budgets. Those without the spare dollars will be unable to buy what they need when they need it. An open source offering is free, however, and requires nothing more than the patience of a download.

While critics may wail against the philosophy of change, those seeking to reinvigorate their computers (and their days) will recognize the open source as a constant advantage.

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Software, Explained

apps
Image by FabioHofnik via Flickr

There is a misconception among the masses – those individuals unaware of the intricacies that dominate their computers, the essential (but too often overlooked) components that define software and its abilities. Programs, despite the assumptions, are not universal, extensions of the same needs, the same standards. Data is instead filtered through a variety of methods; each meant to ensure that a hard-drive does not collapse beneath the weight of its user’s demands. Software is not simply a name for every application. It is instead a diverse collection of intents. And understanding the difference between those intents is necessary. They must be learned before they can be used… or fixed.

It is a common error to attempt the same solutions on every piece of software. This only leads to complications, though. There are three distinct categories to be considered and each should be recognized for its particular duties. This is the only way to guarantee issues being solved. Should any appear, remember:

1. System software. Offering a foundation of support, system software provides aid throughout the entire computer. It controls the hardware, maintaining all functions and security procedures. It also determines where resources should be sent, should any problems occur, and controls memory. It is the most valuable of all elements.

2. Programming software. Ensuring that applications succeed, programming software offers assistance to all developmental components; such as linkers and compilers. It keeps all internal programs functioning. It is not to be confused with system software, which deals specifically with hardware. They are separate entities, despite their similar functions.

3. Application software. Unlike its counterparts, application software does not entail security issues or computer concerns. It instead deals only with the task-based functions; such as streaming videos, uploading images or creating spreadsheets. It is the most common of the three and the one most recognized by users.

Understanding the (sometimes subtle) difference between these programs is essential for any individual–however infrequent their time may be on the computer. Learn what these softwares represent and how they ultimately relate to you.

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The Free Software Movement

Tux, as originally drawn by Larry Ewing
Image via Wikipedia

Software is to be without limits – source codes are to be forever open, available to an ever curious public and their machinations. Companies are to supply programs but must not refuse their evolution. They must instead encourage it, allowing consumers to create what they desire and transform every application. Such a philosophy was once thought to be novel, with most dismissing it as impossible (or simply the desires of those unwilling to spare their dollars to purchase the latest softwares). But this once impracticality has become instead a contender among the virtual world; and it is through it that the concepts of digital property has been redefined.

The Free Software Movement began in 1983 with a singular purpose of changing how individuals were forced to comply with companies. Founder Richard Stallman – a programming pioneer – wished to remove the usual licenses and restrictions found within software; which severely limited how much users could shape source codes and their intentions. The point of the computer, Stallman argued, was not to be kept to constant rules; it was instead to dismiss the need for them.

And so the Movement began, formed by the establishment of the GNU Project – a principle that promoted distribution among individuals and software that would not be trapped to the typical copyrights. This concept shocked the online world, with some naming it crude (a disregard of the laws and needed regulations). Others, however, saw it for what it was: the revolution of all programming.

Through the Free Software Movement applications could be reinvented. The intentions were to take any source code and then adapt it for an individual’s specific needs; allowing the code to therefore work for the user, rather than offering just a broad effect. A tailored effort, it was claimed, would provide greater results and possibilities – which could then be given to the Internet itself, promoting progress.

Such progress still exists today. Stallman’s ideas are still being used and are revered amongst users. Their controversy is not enough to dissuade.

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Antivirus Software Provides Good Computer Security

Identity theft is on the rise and 71% of all fraud occurs within a week of the theft. Online identity theft accounts for 11% of all identity theft, so it is a good idea to protect your computer, your internet connection and your personal information. Antivirus software will scan your computer and incoming email messages for viruses and will delete them before they cause any damage to your computer, use your email address for spam messages or before spyware and malware are installed.

Antivirus alert
For optimum computer security there are a few steps you should take besides installing a good antivirus software. First, buy a computer with a good firewall or purchase firewall software that will protect your computer. While many computers come with a firewall already installed, most are not activated. Be sure that your firewall is properly activated before using your computer.

Second, be very wary of who you give your information to. There are scams called phishing scams in which a criminal will pose as a company such as a bank and ask for personal information like your social security number, account numbers and PIN’s. Most authentic banks will not send you emails asking for this information.

Third, don’t open unsolicited emails or attachments. They may contain viruses. Also, watch your Internet surfing activity. Many unscrupulous sites will attach spyware or viruses to your computer as you tour their site. Online gamers must be especially vigilant and should purchase special antivirus software made exclusively for online gamers.

Your antivirus software should come with a daily update system. You should run this update regularly as new viruses and bugs come online every day. Your antivirus software will update itself with the proper antidotes to those bugs. Don’t become another identity theft statistic by protecting yourself with antivirus software today.

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