| Anyone who has used the Internet on a regular basis | | | | when they use Open Source Software, they are able |
| has heard mention of open source software. | | | | to contribute something back to the public thereby |
| However, very few people understand what its full | | | | increasing their popularity with consumers and |
| potential is and how it works, and how it can benefit | | | | acquiring customers. The creators of Open Source |
| the online community. Open Source Software is | | | | Software believe that when you allow the public to |
| unique because it can be designed by everyone for | | | | view how the software is made, it creates a sense |
| everyone to use. The intention of the software is to | | | | of trust and thereby building a strong and united |
| enable every computer user to be able to use it | | | | online community. Those who are dedicated to Open |
| without having to worry about high costs or | | | | Source Software claim that is more reliable with |
| administrative issues. In most instances, when | | | | fewer problems than the commercial counterparts. |
| software is developed it is done under a cloak of | | | | The people who contribute to Open Source |
| secrecy. Not many people are involved in the design | | | | Software often are talented, caring, and are available |
| and development phase. With most software, there | | | | to provide customer support when it is needed. They |
| is a huge cost that is associated with it, and it is | | | | are able to provide a quality product that is far |
| usually this cost that is paid for by the consumer, | | | | superior to commercial software. They do not do it |
| whereas the develpment of open source software is | | | | for the money; they do it for the love of the |
| completely free from start to finish, and the general | | | | software and Internet. They do not rush through the |
| online public can download it immediately at no cost. | | | | process just to get it done and sold, they create a |
| Open Source Software is not new to the Internet. It | | | | product that everyone can understand and use on a |
| has been around for over twenty years. Yet many | | | | daily basis. Another benefit to Open Source Software |
| people still do not understand its scope. This | | | | is that anyone who uses the software can contribute |
| software played a big part in the way the Internet | | | | his or her ideas to be used. What this means is that |
| developed. it is the reason why the world wide web | | | | the general public can offer their preferences in the |
| is free for all to access. Many different Internet | | | | development of the software, where commercial |
| providers have converted their browsers to Open | | | | software is developed according to the designers |
| Source and have had great success. When a | | | | preferences. Finding Open Source Software can be |
| company installs Open Source Software, they are | | | | found very easily. By doing a simple Internet search, |
| giving themselves the ability to reach markets that | | | | you will find millions of links to this software. |
| they not ordinarily be able to do business with. all | | | | Malcolm Grant writes about software. GoToMeeing is |
| business people know that image is everything, and | | | | software used to manage meetings. |