One feature that separates Linux from other operating systems is that the source code, along with...

One feature that separates Linux from other operating systems is that the source code, along with any changes, remains public. Closed source operating systems, where developers refuse to share some or all of the code, may hinder third-party software developers who create programs and apps for the operating system.

Supporters of open source maintain that open source software enables developers to examine, correct and enhance code to create better programs. Communities of open source programmers can make changes immediately, which they claim results in higher-quality software. For example, proponents of open source software use Linus, which is known for its speed and stability. Of the 500 fastest supercomputers, 90 percent use variants of Linus. Companies and nonprofit organizations can distribute and sell their versions of Linus. This enables those without the expertise to modify open source software to benefit from the creative efforts of the Linux community.

Fear of viruses and other security concerns can lead some to question about whether open source software is worthwhile. Dishonest and antonymous developers can use open source software to create programs, that may be malware. Proponents of closed source software also argue that companies and developers should be able to control and profit from operating systems they create.

Are the security concerns about open source software legitimate? Why or why not? What might be some of the advantages and disadvantages of open source versus closed source operating systems? Does the open source model lead to higher-quality software? Why or why not?

Solutions

Expert Solution

venereology answered 1 year ago

Next > < Previous

Related Solutions

Differences Between Linux and Windows Operating Systems Two key differences between a Linux operating system and...

Differences Between Linux and Windows Operating Systems Two key differences between a Linux operating system and a Windows operating system are the concepts of “mounting” and “drive” letters. Provide an example for each. Why is it important to plan disk partitioning before installing Linux? Discuss the advantages of disk partitioning. Also discuss what logical volume management (LVM) is and why or why you might use it.

What is an ‘operating system’ and what does it do? What is meant by the term ‘open source’ or ‘copyleft’ in reference to the GPL license that is distributed with most Linux operating systems?

What is an ‘operating system’ and what does it do? What is meant by the term ‘open source’ or ‘copyleft’ in reference to the GPL license that is distributed with most Linux operating systems? How do the business models of Linux-based companies differ from Microsoft with regards to intellectual property and customer service. When and if a Linux-based company (e.g. RedHat, Suse, Ubuntu, or Mint… etc) charges a fee for their operating systems, and the code is designated open source,...

Consider Unix, Linux, MacOS, Android and Windows operating systems. Consider the primary application of each in...

Consider Unix, Linux, MacOS, Android and Windows operating systems. Consider the primary application of each in the marketplace. How does each OS implement threads? How does the usage of threads impact application (usage) ?

Why are general-purpose operating systems, such as Linux or Windows, not suitable as real-time system platforms?

Operating Systems class Complete the following work with Linux commands and submit the screenshot. 1.Install a...

Operating Systems class Complete the following work with Linux commands and submit the screenshot. 1.Install a virtual machine with Lubuntu 2.Log in and display the content of your home directory 3.Create a directory called homework under your home directory and navigate to homework directory 4.Create a file called newfile under homework directory (this can be done by Leafpad) 5.Copy the file newfile to tempfile, then rename tempfile to myfile and delete newfile 6.Display the content of myfile

What are (3) Open Source licensing models, other than the GPLv2, that Linux has been released...

What are (3) Open Source licensing models, other than the GPLv2, that Linux has been released under, and how do they differ?

Question from Operating Systems Proc,Forks,Exec Examine the code given and do changes as mentioned in the...

Question from Operating Systems Proc,Forks,Exec Examine the code given and do changes as mentioned in the steps below: #include "HALmod.h" int GetCommand (string tokens []) { string commandLine; bool commandEntered; int tokenCount; do { cout << "HALshell> "; while (1) { getline (cin, commandLine); commandEntered = CheckForCommand (); if (commandEntered) { break; } } } while (commandLine.length () == 0); tokenCount = TokenizeCommandLine (tokens, commandLine); return tokenCount; } int TokenizeCommandLine (string tokens [], string commandLine) { char *token [MAX_COMMAND_LINE_ARGUMENTS]; char...

Two systems were constructed to disinfect a raw water source. One of the systems was designed...

Two systems were constructed to disinfect a raw water source. One of the systems was designed as a CSTR, the other as PER (tank divided into 3, 5m long passes using vertical baffles).The flow rate is 90 m^3/day. The influent coliform is count 100. Both tanks have a volume of 30 m^3 (H= 2m, W=3m, L=5m). Chlorine is added as the disinfectant. The disinfection rates follows a first order relationship as follows dN/dt = kN Where N is the number...

What makes other planetary systems different from one another, for example, the Earth is not the...

What makes other planetary systems different from one another, for example, the Earth is not the same as Venus or Mars? In the next couple of years, we will be sending people to Mars, evaluateand write about the challenges invovled in making this trip. Will human beings survive on Mars?

The code below takes in values from LDR but only one LED is lit. The other...

The code below takes in values from LDR but only one LED is lit. The other 3 LEDs are always off. What can I do to correct this ? #include "mbed.h" AnalogIn ADC(A5); BusOut myLEDs(D10, D11, D12, D13); //Using Bus out instead of DigitalOut for Group of signals in order to control multiple outputs PwmOut Led1(D10); PwmOut Led2(D11); PwmOut Led3(D12); PwmOut Led4(D13); int main(void) { while(1) { float brightness; //LEDs.period(1); brightness= 1-ADC.read();...

Subjects