Hi, I’m new here at TechRepublic and here is my 1st discussion. Do you believe that Open-Source software is better or Proprietary. Let me just use this list of Operating Systems and Office Suites to compare.
Operating Systems
Open Source- Ubuntu Linux 8.10 Interprid Ibex
Proprietary- Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Office Suites
Open Source- OpenOffice
Proprietary- Microsoft Office 2007
I would prefer Open-Source because the developers always seek improvement in their software. Are more open to new ideas and will let anybody work on these projects that are good at programming.
On the improvement behave why do you think the a new version of Ubuntu is released every 6 to 12 months. Even with security updates and enhancements the structure of the Operating System becomes antiquated overtime. Just look at Windows XP and then Vista. Even if besides the glossy look Vista is a disappointment.
I honestly believe the way things are going Open-Source Software will level out with proprietary software in 10 years.
However I still believe Microsoft will have a lot of say in the new Open-Source field due to these couple of qualities.
1]Microsoft created the 1st Massively- Distributed OSe’s.
2]Microsoft created the GUI most OSe’s use today
3]Bill Gates was a great programmer and businessman.
4]The NT 5.0 Windows OSe’s where just unquestionably great dispute a few security issues. Which where already ironed out the the OS line. Along with the fact that Internet Security has grown to the point that there is now free Internet Security Software. Avast to name a few.
5] Microsoft still has the support from the public and the corporations.[Including Programmers.] So the likelihood of developers programming for a different OS without getting paid one dime will keep programmers on Microsoft’s side. Which in terms means the public.