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Advantages and Disadvantages
An open-source technology is free software where users are provided with the technical details of the software, and they can see how it works and can how they can contribute towards it. Using an open-source technology, such as Linux, poses a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- The biggest advantage of open-source technology is that it is free. It is estimated that such technology can save up to USD $ 60 billion annually for industries. .
- Open-system technologies, such as Linux, offer a wide range of option to its users. The user can access to several other distributions, such as Debian, Fedora, Mint and Ubuntu free of cost. .
- Since the software is available to all, security analysts and experts can identify and remove any and all security issues and technical flaws in the operating system. .
- Open-source systems continuously evolve and update, making them less susceptible to bugs and glitches. .
- Using an open-source system does not bind the user towards that provided by a specific vendor for a specified purpose. .
Disadvantages
- Open-source system usage often requires specialized knowledge and skills. They are neither user-friendly nor do they provide guidelines for the user to understand the system. .
- Linux is first tested on Windows and then considered for other operating systems. For the user, it can be a reason to resort to using a closed system. .
- Although free from bugs, open-systems are vulnerable malware and hackers. .
- Open-system may require additional support charges, in order for the provider to make up for the loss of selling free software. .
Works Cited
Bridge, R., 2013. Open Source Software – The Advantages & Disadvantages. [Online] Available at: http://www.entrepreneurhandbook.co.uk/open-source-software/
Grager, J. & Stonecypher, L., 2010. What are the Pros and Cons of Open Source?. [Online] Available at: http://www.brighthub.com/computing/linux/articles/62136.aspx
Marsh, J., 2013. Linux: Advantages and Disadvantages of Open-Source Technology. [Online] Available at: http://www.storagecraft.com/blog/linux-advantages-disadvantages-open-source-technology/
