why is linux called an open source software?
Monday, August 30th, 2010 at
14:51
Linux reviews applications open source from SUSE Mandrake Mandriva Centos Redhat Debian and more
Take from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_software
Open source software (OSS) began as a marketing campaign for free software. OSS can be defined as computer software for which the human-readable source code is made available under a copyright license (or arrangement such as the public domain) that meets the Open Source Definition. This permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner. Open source software is the most prominent example of open source development and often compared to user generated content.
LUg.
That is because the Linux Kernel is free and open source. That is why there are so many different distributions.
The Kernel: http://www.kernel.org/
Unlike windows or os x, linux’s actual source codes are open for modications to everybody. as for Windows and OSx, their source codes are compiled and cannot be decompiled, reverse engineer and/or modify.
It’s called open source because the source cose (The stuff that makes it, basically) is open, and free for anyone in the world to download and modify to their liking.
It is free, not only cost wise- but edit-wise.
As in, you are free to edit it and re-release it to your hearts content.
Open Source means the actual source code of the system is publicly available. Any distribution, free or commercial must provide the source code or make it available. This makes it possible for any developers to build on the system, and contribute worthwhile additions to the project.