COURSEWORK

Coursework

COURSEWORK Coursework 1. Whats a definition of Open Source Software? What is "open" in Open Source? The concept of open-source software is very popular these days. The idea of it is reflected in the name. It is the software that is available in source code, while the usual software is provided as an end product, where the source code is the commercial secret of a company-developer (OpenSource.org, 2010). Actually, free access to the source code is not

the only feature of the open-source software; it is also connected with such issues as licensing of the end products, copywriting, and other related issues (Asay, 2007). Thus, what distinguishes open-source database management tools from the proprietary database management tools? The concept of open-source software presupposes the following main features that distinguish it from the most of the proprietary formats: it is transparent, available for any interested parties, provides more opportunities for developers, and can be customized much faster and cheaper than any proprietary software. Open-source software has the following advantages: price (of course); access to the code; opportunity to solve any issues from different points of view that are not limited by the vendor developers only; customization, etc. On the other hand, proprietary software are more advantageous in terms of the professional vendor support and easier process of the adoption within an organization (Asay, 2007) However, the modern level of professionalism in IT world is improving in increasing pace, so more and more independent IT developers are able to support and customize opensource software. Proprietary software loses this round in most cases. As it can be noticed, open means free to customize, change, etc. in this context. IT specialists of different specialization are able to take the source code and alter it according to the needs of each particular case this software is going to be used. It can be done without

COURSEWORK any concern regarding the legality of these operations. The code is fully or partially open, depending on the specific product. 2. Can someone take a piece of Open Source code, embellish it with a few new features and repackage the software and put it out commercially? Why or why not? Well, it is possible; however, the concept of open source code presupposes free

distribution of any parts of this code. Therefore, if at least one part of the software is based on the code free-from-licensing, it has to be distributed freely. 3. What is Firmware? Firmware is the software that controls hardware on the lowest level. It is necessary to basically make parts of the computer work appropriately. 4. What is Middleware? This terms refers to the class of subprograms that glue together operations of the operating system and other software application that are not available in this operating system. 5. What are the following (and why may they be important): a. Linux open-source operating system; it is the base for the majority of other opensource applications of such kind. b. Android/Honeycomb utterly popular Linux-based operating system for mobile platforms; one of the leaders on the market. c. Chrome OS Goolges operating system, open-source based, uses cloud concept to operate; one of the innovative concepts of operating systems use. d. Apache open-source database engine; one of the standards de facto on the market e. Wordpress popular and well-known open-source web sites creation tool; f. Drupal one of the most advanced open-source web sites engine on the market today.

COURSEWORK References Asay, M. (2007). Why Choose Proprietary Software Over Open Source? Survey Says! CNet News. Retrieved from: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-9789275-16.html Networkcomputing.com (1995). What is Middleware? Retrieved from: http://www.networkcomputing.com/netdesign/cdmwdef.htmOpenSource.org (2010). The Open Source Definition. Retrieved from http://www.opensource.org/docs/osd