There are several answers to this question depending on who’s asking. Here’s a great generic response – open source allows freedom of choice.
Some consider open source a philosophy, others consider it a pragmatic methodology. One way to explain open source is by using keywords to describe what it isn’t: Proprietary, corporate, bias, exclusive, binding, restricted, etc.
Take operating systems for example. The most popular operating system is made by the Microsoft Corporation. Although their product is great in many ways, it is far from open source. Remember the little box that you ticked when installing Windows? That was their End User License Agreement, a contract that makes you vulnerable to the keywords listed above. Essentially, even though you paid for it you do not own it, in fact in many ways they own you!
Think about it – Most computers are sold with Windows already installed. Would you have chosen Windows if you were ever offered a choice? The answer might be yes for familiarity’s sake, like most of us you may have become dependent upon Microsoft and therefore prone to another vastly dominating corporate agenda.
Alternatively, open source software is made freely available and the code is also yours to build upon. The introduction of the GNU/GPL licensing method 25 years ago encouraged users and developers all over the world to build vast community support networks around new collaborative projects. Popular open source software projects include Mozilla Firefox (web browser), OpenOffice.org (alternative to MS Office), Linux (operating systems) and Joomla! (website content management system)
… They’re all free of course!
As a web designer/developer I benefit from and contribute to open source projects in many ways. The services I provide include customising software for my clients whilst giving them the same freedom that open source offers me – reputable packages backed by vast support networks to assist in their site’s administration, complete control of their entire website (and its code) and providing a flexible platform from which to expand and grow with their business.
I use a free open source Linux operating system called Ubuntu. Try it out. Liberate yourself!