I can remember when mentioning open-source software in a business context was unthinkable. Fortunately, times have changed. Indeed, open source is now often considered first but that dramatic progress has not entirely removed a number of misconceptions from users' minds. So I thought it might be helpful to list a few of the things people still get completely wrong about open source.
1. It's just for Linux
Most users trip up over this point. When open source comes up in a conversation, talk inevitably — and almost always initially — turns to Linux. The public always seems to assume open-source applications are only for Linux. In fact there are plenty of open-source projects that are either cross platform or Windows only. The Open Source Windows site lists a variety of software for Microsoft's operating systems. But the site doesn't include the listing of major forces, such as Apache, MySQL and Drupal.
This story originally appeared as 10 things you should know about open source before you use it on TechRepublic.
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