The Open Source Software Paradigm

Abstract

A lot misinformation and mystery surrounds the topic of Open Source software.  The conceptual misunderstanding of software is fostered, in some respects, by a lack of understanding within the professional ranks of the computer field.  There are many different views of Open Source software today, based upon ones perspective.  After about 20 years of evolution, the position of Open Source in our economy still has not coalesced.  Few seems to understand whether Open Source is free software for running a computer (i.e., Linux) or just a way to obtain some software products without giving Microsoft ones money. “There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world and that is an idea whose time has come” - Victor Hugo