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Coursework

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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 open-
source 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

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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 open-
source 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 – Goolge’s operating system, open-source based, uses cloud concept
to operate; one of the innovative concepts of operating system’s 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.

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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