Changes

Open Source refers to software where the [[source code]] is available for anyone to modify.  There are many different licenses under which open source software is available<ref>http://www.opensource.org/licenses/alphabetical</ref>, all varying slightly to the degree on the conditions under which the software can be modified and redistributed.

Open Source refers to software where the [[source code]] is available for anyone to modify.  There are many different licenses under which open source software is available<ref>http://www.opensource.org/licenses/alphabetical</ref>, all varying slightly to the degree on the conditions under which the software can be modified and redistributed.

Although the development model for open source software may seem counterintuitive, for many projects it has been shown to be very successful.  Generally, open source software is distributed with the underlying source code available for anyone to freely modify and redistribute.  This development model is very similar to university research, where discoveries and research is published in [[peer review|peer reviewed]] journals, which is then built upon by other researchers spawning further ideas and discoveries.

Although the development model for open source software may seem counterintuitive, for many projects it has been shown to be very successful.  Generally, open source software is distributed with the underlying source code available for anyone to freely modify and redistribute.  This development model is very similar to university research and the '[[Best of the public|best of the public]]' model, where discoveries and research are published in [[peer review|peer reviewed]] journals or other venues, which are then built upon by other researchers and contributors spawning further ideas and discoveries.

There is a common misconception that open source software must be given away for free, but this is incorrect.<ref>http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#DoesTheGPLAllowDownloadFee</ref>  Although most open source software is indeed available for free, with the authors usually charging for consulting and other services, there is no obligation for them to do so.

There is a common misconception that open source software must be given away for free, but this is incorrect.<ref>http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#DoesTheGPLAllowDownloadFee</ref>  Although most open source software is indeed available for free, with the authors usually charging for consulting and other services, there is no obligation for them to do so.