💻 OPEN SOURCE TECHNOLOGY – Complete Notes
(Home Academy | Exam-Oriented for JKSSB, SSC, Bank, UGC NET)
🔹 1. Meaning of Open Source Technology
Open Source Technology refers to software whose source code is publicly available. Anyone can view, modify, and distribute the code freely.
It promotes transparency, collaboration, and community-based development.
🔹 2. Key Features of Open Source Software (OSS)
The source code is freely available.
Users can modify and customize the software.
It is usually free of cost.
It is developed and maintained by a community of developers.
It provides flexibility and transparency.
🔹 3. Advantages of Open Source Technology
It reduces software cost.
It allows customization according to user needs.
It improves security through community review.
It avoids vendor lock-in.
It encourages innovation and learning.
🔹 4. Disadvantages
Limited official support in some cases.
May require technical knowledge to modify.
Compatibility issues may occur.
🔹 5. Examples of Open Source Software
Operating System: Linux
Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox
Office Suite: LibreOffice
Database: MySQL
Content Management System: WordPress
🔹 6. Open Source vs Proprietary Software
| Open Source Software | Proprietary Software |
|---|---|
| Source code available | Source code hidden |
| Free or low cost | Paid license required |
| Customizable | Limited customization |
| Community support | Official company support |
| Example: Linux | Example: Microsoft Windows |
🔹 7. Important Terms
Source Code means the original program instructions written by programmers.
License defines how software can be used or distributed.
GNU is a free software movement started by Richard Stallman.
GPL (General Public License) allows users to modify and share software freely.
🎯 Most Important Exam Points
Open source software provides access to source code.
Linux is the most popular open source operating system.
Open source reduces software cost.
GPL license allows modification and redistribution.
Proprietary software restricts access to source code.
📘 MCQs on Open Source Technology
1. Open source software means:
A) Paid software
B) Source code available publicly
C) Hardware device
D) Licensed closed software
Answer: B) Source code available publicly
2. Which of the following is an open source operating system?
A) Windows
B) macOS
C) Linux
D) DOS
Answer: C) Linux
3. Which license is commonly used in open source software?
A) GPL
B) OEM
C) Trial License
D) Copyright Lock
Answer: A) GPL
4. Which of the following is NOT open source?
A) Linux
B) LibreOffice
C) Microsoft Windows
D) MySQL
Answer: C) Microsoft Windows
5. Open source software is usually:
A) Always paid
B) Free to modify
C) Illegal
D) Not customizable
Answer: B) Free to modify
6. WordPress is mainly used for:
A) Operating System
B) Web browsing
C) Website development
D) Antivirus
Answer: C) Website development
7. MySQL is a:
A) Programming language
B) Database system
C) Operating system
D) Browser
Answer: B) Database system
8. One major advantage of open source software is:
A) High cost
B) Vendor lock-in
C) Flexibility
D) Hidden source code
Answer: C) Flexibility
9. Open source software is developed mainly by:
A) Single company only
B) Government only
C) Community of developers
D) Hardware manufacturers
Answer: C) Community of developers
10. The opposite of open source software is:
A) Freeware
B) Shareware
C) Proprietary software
D) System software
Answer: C) Proprietary software
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