Open Source and Closed Source Software

Open Source Software

Definition

Open source software is released with its source code, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute the software. It fosters a collaborative environment where improvements can be made by a community of developers.

Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons (Open Source):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Free to use and modify	Inconsistent support
Community-driven improvements	May lack professional documentation
Transparent code (auditable)	Security vulnerabilities visible to attackers
No licensing costs	No guarantee of updates or maintenance
Customisable for specific needs	Quality can vary

Example

Open Source Examples:
• Linux (operating system)
• LibreOffice (office suite)
• Firefox (web browser)
• Python (programming language)
• MySQL (database)

Closed Source Software

Definition

Closed source software, also known as proprietary software, does not share its source code with the public. It is typically sold with a licence that restricts how it can be used, modified, and distributed.

Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons (Closed Source):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Professional support	Licensing costs
Controlled development environment	Cannot modify source code
Often better documented	Vendor lock-in
Security through obscurity	Dependent on vendor for updates
Guaranteed updates and maintenance	Expensive for large deployments

Example

Closed Source Examples:
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Creative Suite
• macOS
• Oracle Database

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Question

Open Source

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Answer

Software distributed with its source code freely available, so users have the right to inspect, modify and recompile it to suit their own needs. It is usually free of charge, and anyone can find and fix its bugs.

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Browse all 2 flashcards on Open Source vs Closed Source Software

Open Source
Software distributed with its source code freely available, so users have the right to inspect, modify and recompile it to suit their own needs. It is usually free of charge, and anyone can find and fix its bugs.
Closed Source
Software distributed only as executable code, with the source code kept private. Users cannot inspect or modify it or fix bugs themselves, and usually have to pay for a licence and keep to its conditions.

Exam questions on Open Source vs Closed Source Software

3 OCR past paper questions (13 marks) with mark schemes

Question 1H446/012 marks
Explain one advantage to the school of using open source software.
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Open Source Software allows access/modification to/of the source code ...can tailor the software to their specific needs ...may be more widely bug fixed ...there may be a wider pool of support available in the community Or: There will likely be no cost to purchasing a license... saving the school money (2 marks - 1 per bullet)
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Question 2H446/019 marks
Charlie will use database management software to store customers' personal and appointment details. Charlie is considering both open source and closed source database software. Compare the differences between open source software and closed source software and recommend which type of database software Charlie should use. You should refer to: Cost, Usability, Extensibility, Security, Support available.
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Levels of response question (9 marks) AO1 Cost: Open Source generally free, may have maintenance costs. Closed Source have to pay license AO1 Usability: Open Source lower UI focus, source can be edited. Closed Source professionally developed, only executable distributed AO1 Security: Open Source many volunteer developers, code scrutinized by anyone. Closed Source closed teams, code scrutinized more AO1 Support: Open Source community support, editable source. Closed Source vendor support available AO2 Application: Open Source - lower overheads but training costs. Closed Source - vendor support means quicker fixes AO2 Usability: Open Source can develop bespoke features, may be harder to use. Closed Source higher finish standard, less buggy AO2 Security: Open Source may be less secure without oversight. Closed Source professional standards, quicker bug turnaround AO3 Evaluation: Open source for cost savings if self-support possible. Closed source if lacking technical skills, better UI and professional support for business uptime
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Question 3H446/01 · June 20182 marks
Explain the benefits to the users of the software being open source.
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Free of cost Right to inspect/amend/recompile source code Can tailor the program to their specific needs Code open for bugs to be spotted and fixed (2 marks - 1 per bullet)
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/ 2

Open Source Software

Closed Source Software

Exam questions on Open Source vs Closed Source Software

Past paper questions