Origin

Open source software originally began as individual core code packages being written as a sort of hobby. This motley collection of software, provided at no cost, allowed users to freely view the core code, earning them the name open source software. Although the common user will rarely ever delve into the code of programs, those more inclined to improve upon the programs can openly alter and modify the code, provided that improvements are shared with others through peer-to-peer sharing.

Some of the most famous original open source projects include Linux, named for a Finnish student who wrote the core code, and Apache, a series of patches and updates for older software written by volunteer programmers. Although many skeptics questioned the practicality open source software would provide when set next to commercial software, much of the doubts clouding the software arena have been cleared by extremely successful open source projects that compete well against commercial and default software, such as Mozilla Firefox’s competition with Internet Explorer.

OSS Providers

VLC

Thunderbird

Miro

AbiWorld

Audacity