Redistributable open source programs are. Open source software. Open programming systems

The success of open source software is quite remarkable. It has not spared even large commercial software producers. IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle and Microsoft have recognized his influence and, in some cases, adopted his methods. It seems that most companies with an IT function are already quite familiar with open source products, and often actively use them.

However, the ubiquity of open source software still raises more questions than answers. So let's try to answer the most popular ones.

What is software open source?

Let's go back to 1997. Talented developer operating system Linux Bruce Perens compiles a document related to the preparation and distribution of a distribution version Debian Linux. He later removed all references to Debian and introduced the concept known today as The Open Source Definition. Among other things, the Definition document stated that open source software should be distributed without any royalties to developers; distributors are obliged to provide everyone with free access to the source code of the programs and all further improvements and upgraded versions of the programs must also be supplied under the same conditions.

In essence, the open source software movement is a close relative of the Free Software Movement, proposed in 1983 by Richard Stallman. Its main goal was the free distribution of software, freeing it from the standard restrictions of commercial programs. The rules for distributing free software are regulated by the General Public License (GPL), which was approved in its third edition in October 2006.

There are dozens of different Open Source Initiative licenses in use around the world today, each with its own specific rules that require study by companies considering using open source software. Typically, these rules do not impose strict restrictions on those who wish to access open source programs. As for distribution requirements, they need to be given more serious attention to avoid potential problems associated with violating licensing rules.

Why open source software?

The first reason why companies look at open source software is very simple - price. And the ROI of an open source model clearly demonstrates this. Open source software is completely free to download, install and use. At first, low costs attracted developers willing to try new tools or start designing new applications without investing any money in it. The new freedom has led many of them to support the open source software movement. As a result, industry-grade open source software such as the Linux operating system, the Apache Web server, the Java application server JBoss, and the Eclipse development environment began to appear around the world, along with thousands of other projects.

In the late 1990s, enterprise management finally began to pay attention to open source software. With IT budgets constantly shrinking, developers boasted about the quality and savings achieved by using open source software, and many companies began to seriously consider using open source software components in enterprise projects. The first large enterprises to implement open source software were The Weather Channel, Cendant Travel, Employease and Saber.

At a time of global Internet growth, open source software allows companies to quickly expand their electronic operations without constantly purchasing new licenses for commercial software. The benefits also extend to development and testing. This way, companies can try new things without the additional costs associated with commercial software and the budget-breaking process that is required in such cases.

It's probably no secret that few people take advantage of the availability of source code in open source products. It would seem that the right to freely modify and correct software code should be considered a serious plus, but in reality, instead of maintaining the software themselves, it is much easier for companies to rely on a community of developers who promptly update and debug the program code of all popular products.

Reasons for rejecting open source software

The arguments against open source software are usually easy to count on one hand.

Getting free software is like " free giveaway puppies." You can download and install it completely free, but training and user support end up costing more than the total cost of commercial software, or a comparable amount. This argument, which Microsoft especially likes to make, operates on a subconscious level. Whether this is fair or not depends on the specific situation and which analytical report you are reading at the moment.

Organizing technical support is difficult. At the beginning of the open source software movement, source code, when development and support were carried out primarily by groups of volunteers or "communities", this issue was indeed relevant. But while many organizations have found community support to be sufficient to meet their needs, today there are many other opportunities open to them, including support for large open source projects by Hewlett-Packard and IBM. As a result, the statement that “to suffocate, it is enough to block one throat” loses its relevance.

Developing new functionality takes longer compared to commercial software. It really depends a lot on the specific type of software you're using. The Firefox web browser is best example how quickly open source software can be tailored to users' needs. You can also recall how quickly Linux developers organized support for new technologies, in particular USB ports. In this regard, Linux practically did not lag behind Windows. But when it comes to enterprise software, building in mechanisms to support the latest video card or audio chip plays a much less important role here compared to ensuring high stability and performance.

Uncertainty of further development and branching. The wide variety of open source software licenses, as well as the possibility of active end-user intervention in the software code, keep corporate clients from the introduction of such programs. But close examination of open source application licenses by lawyers alleviates most of these fears. Some open source software providers and third-party companies even offer damages, so the open source applications you use may well be the subject of a lawsuit.

Where to begin?

Today, almost all types of business software are available as open source products, starting with servers Email and ending with VoIP systems. Many companies first of all pay attention to Web applications, where there are products that have existed for quite a long time and have already managed to prove their worth. A common reference is to the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP, Perl or Python depending on the specific situation). The Unix-like Linux operating system has become widespread. One of the most popular Web servers today is Apache. The MySQL database management system successfully competes with expensive commercial products. And the programming and scripting languages ​​PHP, Perl and Python are widely used as tools for developing open source Web applications. Open source Java-based Web sites often rely on the JBoss application server. As you become more familiar with open source tools and discover the similarities and differences between them and commercial products, you will discover other possibilities. It may also be surprising to learn that your developers occasionally turn to certain open source products at their own risk.

Application servers are, of course, good, but what can be said about open source software for desktop computers?

End users quite often use various open source desktop tools. A striking example of such a solution is the Web browser. Mozilla Firefox. Some government and commercial organizations give preference to the Sun OpenOffice office suite over Microsoft Office. But while some players are venturing into the unknown by installing the Linux operating system on their desktop computers, Windows remains by far the dominant player. End user friendly Linux versions(like LinSpire) can't break the status quo because training users takes time and money. In addition, most commercial software packages- on which many companies depend - are developed primarily for Windows and only then for Linux (if, of course, a version for Linux is released at all).

Can open source products be sold?

Yes, of course, but the rules of the Open Source Initiative prohibit obstructing the sale of your code to others. And yet, many companies are finding ways to make money from open source products. Many, in addition to the actual code, offer corporate support services, which are very readily purchased by companies. Others provide two versions of the software code: one in open and free form, and another that includes additional useful features, contains proprietary components and must be paid for by customers. This mixed model is becoming increasingly popular. It is actively used by companies such as SourceFire, SugarCRM, Alfresco and a number of others.

Other open source resources

Many open source programs can be found on the Internet:

FreshMeat. Huge database of downloadable software, much of it in open source form.

SourceForge. A giant site for open source software developers, bringing together thousands of open source projects. Some of them continue to develop, while others have already ceased to exist.

Open source resources - official and unofficial

Open Source Initiative. A non-profit organization that considers its main task further development open source software and funded by a number of players who have been active in this field for a long time.

Open Source Technology Group. Arguably the world's leading promoter of open source technologies. It is this association that owns the news site Slashdot, as well as the resources SourceForge and FreshMeat.

Open Source Risk Management. Offers mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Open Source Development Labs. An organization whose main purpose is to promote the operating Linux systems among corporate clients.

Many people buy various software or use hacked, pirated versions of them. Users see GUI programs, but the code for this product is usually hidden. In this regard, it is almost impossible to change the software, which guarantees the author protection from those who want to copy the program code and appropriate it for themselves. But, despite this, there are more and more so-called “Open Source” programs in the modern world. Let's understand what open source programs are and what are their positive and negative aspects.

What can be considered open source?

Almost all software reaches the end user as ready-made software. These are fully functional programs with a nice interface and easy to use. If the code of this product is open, then anyone can change it, offer their own options for correcting the errors found, or introduce some kind of innovation. Thus, the quality of this product improves over time. Examples of open source operating systems are Linux, Unix, Ubuntu.

Everyone is familiar with Microsoft Office, an analogue of which, but with open source, is Open Office. Mozilla browsers Firefox and Google Chrome are also open source software. There are a lot of similar products, many use a large amount of software and do not suspect that some of this could be an Open Source program.

Open Source Features

For software to be called a program, it is not enough that its code is open to everyone. Such a program should be absolutely free. In addition, for further use and attempts to change the code, the user also does not have to pay anything. Anyone has the right to freely distribute this product, and, as stated above, change it. Such programs have no restrictions on the scope and duration of use. They can be used for doing business, scientific research, training, or for your own purposes for an unlimited amount of time.

Open Source Software License

The license for such programs is also free. There are absolutely no restrictions on application, modification, distribution, use with other compatible software. Also, it is technologically neutral to all other existing programs.

Pros and cons of Open Source programs

Unlike the classic licensed programs, are developed by a group of free programmers, and that is why they are free.

The second important advantage is that we can upgrade program data. Good programmer Having understood the code, he can add new options to the program or improve the operation of existing functions. For example, user MacOS cannot change its operating system, unlike Linux, which everyone can not only customize at their own discretion, but also add any individual functions. As a result, he will get a completely new product that is very convenient to use. If the resulting program is really good, then it can be patented and even sold (!)

Another undeniable advantage of the programs is their protection from viruses. Almost all viruses are written for applications Windows, and malware for the same Linux a negligible amount. Thus, the chance of getting a virus using an open source operating system is very low.

Today, many organizations are switching to open source software. This allows you to reduce costs and minimize the likelihood of system hacking.

But, as you know, any medal has two sides, we’ll tell you about the disadvantages of Open Source programs.

If you encounter any problems with the software, you usually contact technical support. Open source programs do not have this. This problem occurs because the program has been modified by different programmers from all over the country or even the world. So you will have to look for a solution to the problem on the Internet. Internet or figure it out yourself.

The second disadvantage arises again due to the fact that anyone can change the program code. Often people's views may not coincide, and this causes conflicts in modifying the product. This can lead to the collapse of a project that many people have been working on for a long time.

Also often disguised as open source malware, distinguishing them from truly secure software can sometimes be very difficult.

Despite the fact that such programs have some disadvantages, more and more users are interested in them. More and more products today are created with open source code. This means that such programs have a future and are worth paying attention to.

The emergence of programs of this class is associated with the idea of ​​​​creating software free from restrictions on circulation. In 1998, at the suggestion of American developers Bruce Perens and Eric Raymond, the Open Source Initiative organization was created.

(Open Source Initiative, OSI). This movement developed and published the "Open Source Software Definition".

An open source software license provides the following rights:

• 1) access to the source code;
• 2) to change the computer program;
• 3) to distribute the modified program under the same conditions under which this software was received by the licensee;
• 4) a licensee to use the computer program for its intended purpose;
• 5) for further distribution by the user of the program without paying royalties and fees.

As additional rights, open source software licenses may include:

• 1) a description of the changes made by each of the licensees;
• 2) refusal to provide guarantees,
• 3) disclaimer of liability for losses;
• 4) regulation of patent issues;
• 5) provisions regarding the compatibility of this license with other licenses;
• 6) regulation of copyright on the text of an open license;
• 7) an indication of the changes made in the resulting open source code;
• 8) provisions on applicable law and competent court.

However, this does not mean that the license for an open source program is necessarily provided free of charge; there may be options for paid provision (for example, paid service support or a commercial license for using free code for software development). Using an open source program means that the code is open, it can be reworked and based on such code you can create your own program - a “derivative work”. Software that does not grant users the right to modify the open source code is proprietary software—regardless of any other terms.

Since January 2012, the Russian Federation first introduced the concept of an open source program, as software distributed under the terms of a simple (non-exclusive license) or exclusive license that provides the user with access to the source code of the program.

Different open source software licenses come with different rights and responsibilities. Some open source software licenses, when redistributing a revised, modified program, require the author of such modifications to disclose what features or procedures of the original program have been changed or newly created. Such actions are provided to inform other users so as not to harm the authors of the original program in the event that the derivative program turns out to be of poor quality and non-functional.

The concept of free software is based on four fundamental freedoms:

• 1) freedom to reproduce on a computer and run the program for any purpose;
• 2) freedom to study the operation of the program and adapt it to the needs of the user;
• 3) freedom to replicate and distribute received copies of free software;
• 4) freedom to improve the program, i.e. modify it and distribute it in a modified form.

Only a computer program that satisfies all the principles can be considered free. Freedoms include the freedom to determine the remuneration of such a license agreement for the use of a computer program. Thus, it can be argued that free software can be distributed on a fee basis, while respecting the user's freedom to obtain the source code of the programs, change them and distribute them further.

The following types of open source licenses exist:

• – General Public License (GPL);
• – Apache Software License;
• – Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) license;
• – licenses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT);
• – Mozilla Public License (MPL), etc.

The general meaning of GPL, BSD, MIT is to expand the powers of the user of the program and at the same time assign to him some responsibilities that are not characteristic of licenses provided for by the laws of the Russian Federation and foreign countries. But now the development of such software has begun to be supported in the Russian Federation. In addition, the Concept of Administrative Reform in the Russian Federation and the Federal target program"Electronic Russia".

Let us list the main characteristics of open source software.

1. Free distribution

The license agreement must not limit the right to sell or distribute software that is part of a composite software program that includes programs from different sources.

2. Source

The program must contain source code that, like compiled forms, can be distributed. Some product variants are distributed without source code. In this case, there must be well-known ways to obtain the source code at a reasonable price or the possibility of obtaining it for free via the Internet. The source code must be in such a form that the programmer can modify the program. Deliberately "obscure" source code, intermediate forms such as preprocessor or translator output are not allowed.

• 3. Secondary products. The license agreement must give the right to modify and develop your own derivative products, to distribute the software under the same terms as the license of the original program.
• 4. Preservation of the author's source code. The license agreement may restrict distribution of a product whose source code has been modified by third parties. The agreement may allow the distribution of source code attachments to modify the program during creation. The license must provide the right to distribute own program, created by modifying the source code. The license agreement may require you to change the name of the software or the version number of derivative products.
• 5. No restrictions on individuals or user groups. The license agreement must be available to all applicants.
• 6. There are no restrictions regarding the scope of application. The license agreement should not restrict use of the program in a specific area of ​​activity, such as commercial or other research.
• 7. License distribution. The rights that come with a program must apply to everyone who uses it. No additional license is required for this.
• 8. The license agreement does not have to be specific to a part of the product. The rights obtained with the software complex apply to each individual element of the complex. If a program is taken from a distribution and used outside of it, the terms of the distribution's license agreement apply to the program.
• 9. The license agreement must not contain restrictions regarding other software, i.e. software, which are distributed along with the licensed software. The license should also not contain requirements for the openness of software not created under this license agreement.
• 10. The license must be technology neutral. The terms of the license agreement cannot be based on individual technologies and interface styles.

Compliance with the above conditions when concluding a license agreement allows us to judge the computer program as open software.

Open source software is similar to free software, but with a significant difference - in the case of free software, the exclusive rights to the source code remain with the copyright holder of the program, and in the case of open source software, such rights are not retained by the copyright holder of the program, but only moral rights are retained, both the original developer and all subsequent developers.

In 2006, in the Russian Federation, in pursuance of the order of the Ministry of Information Communications of Russia dated June 29, 2006 No. 83 “On the activities of the Ministry of Information Communications of Russia for 2006 to implement the main provisions of the Address of the President of the Russian Federation to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation,” an action plan was developed to promote the development, as well as use in public authorities free software (open source). The plan contained the following activities:

• 1) development of requirements and recommendations for the use of open standards and specifications in the development of computer programs for state and municipal needs;
• 2) assessment of the economic efficiency of implementing ISO/IEC 26300:2006 (format open document for office applications);
• 3) organizing the participation of representatives of the communications administration of the Russian Federation in international organizations for standardization in the field of information technology, as well as facilitating and coordinating the participation of representatives of Russian companies in international organizations for standardization (if the participation of government bodies in such organizations is not provided);
• 4) development and implementation of a procedure for obtaining (including determining the scope and evaluation) and a scheme for managing rights to computer software received by customers as a result of performing work for state and municipal needs;
• 5) improving mechanisms for monitoring the conditions of competitions in order to control the provision of equal market conditions to developers of various software;
• 6) development of a concept and action plan in order to improve the level of professional education and training of users in the field of information and communication technologies;
• 7) development of a list of types (varieties) of free computer programs, the feasibility and validity of the primary use of which has been proven by world practice and (or) recognized by a significant number of market participants, as well as the development of other classifiers for various purposes, including standardization purposes;
• 8) development of a concept and action plan for the development in the Russian Federation, including for state and municipal needs, of a service-oriented model for the distribution of computer programs.

• anti-corruption;
• safety;
• protection of national interests;
• friendliness to citizens;
• ease of adaptation;
• economic benefit.

The quality of such computer programs is comparable to commercial programs. This is due to the fact that this software is tested, changed, improved by everyone, so the number of developers working to improve the program is equal to the staff of closed-source commercial software developers (and in some cases significantly exceeds their number).

A positive point is that such software turned out to be not only publicly available, but also reliable, and freedom of creativity for the authors of such software is more important than remuneration. Of course, moral rights in such licenses must be respected, i.e. For authors of distributed open source software licenses, it is especially important to respect moral rights, such as affixing a protection mark, the year of first publication and the name of the author or other copyright holder.

All this allows us to say that open source software is gaining great popularity, and not only the world's leading corporations, such as IBM and Hewlett Packard, but also Russian companies are among those using and developing these programs, including for foreign customers.

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated October 18, 2007 No. 1447-r establishes the right to use any open source software in schools of the Russian Federation. In 2009 federal Service bailiffs reported on the introduction of open source software - Open Office, in order to implement state policy in the field of use of free software. "In April - May 2009, video conferencing sessions were held with the heads of territorial bodies of the FSSP of Russia using free software.

In order to timely and regularly post information on the official website of the central office of the FSSP of Russia, systematically inform citizens and organizations about the activities of the FSSP, the information technology department carried out work to finalize software platform and website design, which made it possible to significantly expand it functionality site, increase information content and traffic."

The concept for the development of free software in the Russian Federation envisaged the creation of the following products by 2010:

• 1) standard integrated office solutions for government civil servants, as well as public sector employees;
• 2) standard solutions to ensure the operation of educational institutions;
• 3) software for points of collective access to the Internet;
• 4) software for Internet sites of government services;
• 5) integration platform for e-government purposes;
• 6) secure solutions for critical facilities;
• 7) development of a service-oriented model for the distribution of computer programs.

Currently, many of the stated points have been fulfilled. Thus, the specifics of the license agreement for the use of open source software are determined by the scope of the exclusive rights transferred to the licensee. It is important to note that such licensing agreements do not in any way affect the personal non-property rights of program authors; moreover, they protect such rights to a greater extent. These programs are more reliable and secure, since the program code can be checked and, if necessary, reprogrammed, which, within the framework of the implementation of the Information Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation, as well as the National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2020, is a fundamental task of ensuring national security. In the National Security Strategy, the means of ensuring national security include technologies, as well as technical, software, linguistic, legal, organizational means, including telecommunication channels used in the system of ensuring national security for collecting, generating, processing, transmitting or receiving information about the state of national security and measures to strengthen it.

The use of open source programs in the Russian Federation will not only diversify computer programs, but also increase the number of developers, thereby reducing the number of monopolists. In addition, this symbolizes the development of qualitatively new phenomena in the relationship between the author of a computer program and the user of open source software on the territory of the Russian Federation. A positive factor is the fact that the territorial attribute used by law for exclusive rights is absent in open source programs. Thus, the use of this class of programs on the territory of the Russian Federation will help eliminate many copyright violations.

With the introduction of the National Standard of the Russian Federation GOST R 54593-201 in 2012, free software is a safe, reliable and financially attractive platform for building information systems in corporations and the public sector. Free software ensures: technological independence of the development and use of software from the monopolist; independence in choosing a hardware platform; low initial cost of equipment; early detection of software defects and the ability to quickly correct them; no mandatory fee for the right to use products.

Free software uses the principles of open systems, which are currently the main trend in the development of information technology, systems, and computer technology that supports these technologies. The ideology of open systems is implemented in their latest developments by all leading companies - suppliers of computer equipment, information transfer, software and development of applied information systems.

So, let's reveal the powers transferred under various types of licenses for computer programs with open source software.

• See: National standard of the Russian Federation GOST R 54593 201 " Information Technology. Free software. General provisions", approved by order of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology dated December 6, 2011 No. 718-st.
Approved by the President of the Russian Federation on September 9, 2000: see on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation mid.ru/ns-osndoc.nsf/d06bd3f5303124fe432569fa003a70ff/4db27 49a4b55f02f432569fb004872a4?OpenDocument.
• Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 12, 2009 No. 537 “On the National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2020.”

The software market offers big choice software (software). Along with applications that can be purchased for a fee, there is the opportunity to use free programs.

Free software

The term “freeware” first appeared in 1982, it was registered as a trademark by American programmer Andrew Flegleman for a communication program he developed.

You can download it for free:

• beta versions of programs
• simplified analogues of full-fledged packages
• drivers
• programs, the use of which will encourage the acquisition of additional resources.

Freeware has one advantage - you don’t have to pay money, but there are a few more disadvantages:

• No automatic update programs
• no technical support
• errors during operation are possible.

Almost any commercial program for Windows has its own free analogues:

• Archivers (7-Zip)
• Software for working with FTP (FileZilla)
• Antiviruses (CureIt, Avast!, AVZ)
• Text editors (Notepad++)
• Browsers (Mozilla, Firefox, Opera, GoogleChrome)

• Audio players (WinAmp)
• Video players (VLC, Miro, Media Player Classic)
• Transcoders (MediaCoder)
• Graphic editor(GIMPshop)
• Office software (Apache OpenOffice, LibreOffice)

Free apps for Windows are available on the Internet on the developers' websites. After downloading the archive and installing the software, all the directories and files in them necessary for normal operation of the application are automatically created on the computer. Free applications for Android and iOS can be downloaded using the PlayStore and AppStore marketplaces.

When downloading free programs, you run the risk of encountering a “Trojan horse” effect: the developer includes other programs in the freely distributed package, which are automatically placed on the computer when the package is installed. This software is not always safe!

A special place in the category free programs are occupied by open source projects. Some of the above software (Mozilla Firefox, 7-Zip, FileZilla, Notepad++, Miro, VLC, Apache OpenOffice, LibreOffice, Media Player Classic, GIMPshop, Google Chrome) belong specifically to this category.

Open Source software

The software may be distributed as closed source ( Microsoft Windows, MS Office is proprietary software), and open source. Coined in 1984, the term “free software” refers to software that can be obtained for free, modified using available source code, and redistributed.

Programs are distributed under the GNU GPL license and must meet the following requirements:

1. There are no restrictions on the use of software in certain areas of activity.
2. The source code is distributed with the executable module or can be obtained from an accessible source for free/at a reasonable cost. The code must be readable.
3. The modified version is distributed under general conditions. The name or version number may be changed.
4. The program is available to everyone.

In 1998, the concept of “open source software” was introduced. Formally, all free software can be considered open source software. It is customary to classify open source programs as free, although it is not prohibited to use them for commercial purposes. Typically, it is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license. But there are other options (for more information about licenses in the open source world, see).

Advantages of working with open source projects:

• this is a good educational material
• the functions described in the project are not prohibited from being built into your applications
• detected errors can be corrected and the correct code placed in the appropriate repository
• When compiling a program, it is allowed to make changes to the text and modernize it to suit specific conditions of use.

Flaws:

• compilation may require additional libraries that you will have to search on the Internet
• If you have questions when using this software, you will need to look for the answer on forums on the Internet.

The Open Source concept is based on increasing the reliability and quality of software by detecting and correcting errors by many users. Located in open access The open source project is constantly tested by a huge number of programmers.

Google has been widely implementing open source technology for a long time. All of its projects of this type, about 200 of them (Kubernetes was originally developed here and then transferred to the management of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation), are available on the company's GOOGLE OPEN SOURCE portal. The resource contains not only program codes, but also documentation on their use and support. How widely you can use openly provided code is indicated in the license, usually directly placed in the text of the program.

Apple, by opening the source codes of the Swift language, is trying to increase the number of available applications for Apple. The current version of the language is currently has limitations: to upload your development to the AppStore, you will have to purchase licensed Swift. All the information you need about the language is available on swift.org and in cloud storage GitHub. Swift has been released for Linux.

Shareware

Some programs distributed free of charge have restrictions:

• according to work period
• by number of launches
• by functionality

To limit the period of operation and the number of starts, trial protection is used - special counters. As limited functionality software, a demo version or a version with limited service is provided. Sometimes the developer inserts advertising into the program code, making it difficult to work with the package. In order to get rid of advertising banner, you'll have to pay.

Examples of programs with a shareware license:

• WinRAR archiver (30 days)
• Antivirus Nod32 (30 days)

AcrobatReader is an example of a program with limited functionality. This program, the lower end of the AdobeAcrobat suite, only allows viewing of PDF files. To fully work with files of these types, you need to buy more full version Acrobat.

Major developers provide their products free of charge for personal use for study purposes. If you plan to use their software for commercial purposes, you must purchase a license.

For example, Oracle allows you to download the DBMS distribution kit and utilities for working with it for free. In this case, restrictions are imposed on the volume of the processed data array. But for learning the principles of working with a database and practicing the skill of writing procedures, this option for working with software is suitable.

Actually, when downloading the “source code” of open source software, you must be prepared to incur certain costs in order to use it. You do not need to purchase a license, but you will need to pay for the work of programmers who will create based on it software products for a specific task.

conclusions

By purchasing licensed paid software, you automatically get the opportunity to apply for technical support to the developer and regularly, as necessary, update your product. To install it on your computer, you do not need to have deep knowledge in the field of IT.

When installing free software, pay attention to the date it was created/updated and be sure to check the software for viruses. Such programs are used by both IT specialists and PC users of various levels.

Open source projects are of interest to people who are interested in programming and professionals. Usually the texts of these programs can be downloaded for free. Compiling an executable module and creating the necessary working environment for it requires certain skills of an IT specialist.

The undoubted advantage of open source projects is their independence from the vendor; large companies prefer to create corporate software based on them. This becomes especially relevant for state corporations due to possible difficulties in purchasing proprietary products due to economic sanctions. A limiting factor in the implementation of open source is some uncertainty associated with information security: problems are possible when obtaining certification from FSTEC.

Open source software is a method of software development in which the created source code of programs is open, that is, publicly available for viewing and modification. This allows anyone to use the already created code for their own needs and, possibly, help in the development of an open source program.

An "open" license does not require that the software be provided free of charge at all times. But many of the most successful open source software projects are still free.

Overwhelming majority open programs is simultaneously free(GNU GPL) and vice versa, because the definitions of open and free software are similar, and most licenses comply with both.

Difference between movements open source And free software lies mainly in priorities. Proponents of open source software emphasize efficiency of open source codes programs as a development method. Supporters of free software are based on ideological considerations, and believe that it is rights distribution, modification and study of programs are the main advantage free software.

Microsoft Windows OS

Rice. 39. OC Windows logo.

MS Windows (pronounced Vindowz) is a family of operating systems Microsoft(Microsoft). Head of Microsoft Corporation - Bill Gates.

Since 1995, Windows has been the most popular operating system on the personal computer market - the de facto standard. By 2005, Microsoft Windows was installed on more than 89% of personal computers.

However, many users have chosen the Windows OS because they are not at all familiar with alternatives such as MacOS, Linux, BSD. In Russia, until the early 2000s, almost all personal computers were sold with a pre-installed operating system Windows system. The fight against the spread of pirated versions of software products has led to the emergence of interest in other operating systems. For example, it became possible to purchase Personal Computer with preinstalled free Linux OS.

Release chronology Windows versions

Windows 1.0 (1985)

1. Windows 2.0 (1987)

2. Windows/386 (1987)

3. Windows 3.0 (1990)

4. Windows 3.1 (1992)

5. Windows NT 3.1 (1993)

6. Windows NT 3.5 (1994)

7. Windows 95 (1995)

8. Windows NT 4.0 (1996)

9. Windows 98 (1998)

10.Windows 2000 (2000)

11. Windows Me (2000)

12. Windows XP (2001)

13. Windows 2003 (2003)

14. Windows Vista (2007)

15. Windows working title Vienna (2010)

Integrated software products and application software

The Microsoft Windows operating system includes standard applications, such as Internet browser Explorer, mail client Outlook Express, Windows player Media Player.

There has been much controversy and debate surrounding the inclusion of such standard products in the Windows operating system, as it poses a major barrier to the adoption of competing products.

Rice. 40. MS Office package logo.

For MS Windows there is a very convenient and mastered by most users application package Microsoft programs Office, including:

Word processor MS Word,

Table processor MS Excel,

Organizer MS Outlook,

Application for preparing presentations MS PowerPoint,

Database Management Application MS Access.

Do not forget that both the Windows OS and the vast majority of popular application programs for Windows have a copyright license, i.e. are proprietary BY. Accordingly, each copy of such a program must be purchased for money. For example, at the end of 2006 the price for Windows XP Home Edition Russian BOX (SP2) was $185, Office 2003 Russian CD was $322.

By using unlicensed (pirated) software protected by a copyright license, you are violating copyright laws.

OS GNU/Linux

Rice. 41. GNU/Linux OS logo – Tux penguin.

The GNU/Linux operating system (pronounced "gnu Linux") is a free UNIX-like operating system. Typically, for historical reasons and for brevity, this system is simply called "Linux". This is the most powerful alternative to MS Windows, popular as a server and rapidly gaining popularity as a desktop operating system in recent years, due to increased control over compliance with the licensed use of Windows OS by Microsoft in versions of XP and Vista.

The GNU/Linux operating system also often includes programs that complement this operating system, and application programs, making it a full-fledged multifunctional operating environment.

Unlike most other operating systems, GNU/Linux does not have a single “official” package. Instead, GNU/Linux comes in a large number of so-called distributions, in which GNU programs are combined with the Linux kernel and other programs. The most common distributions in the world:

American Red Hat and his heir Fedora Core;

German SuSE;

French Mandriva(former Mandrake);

Non-national international distribution Debian GNU/Linux;

One of the oldest distributions Slackware;

A relatively young and actively developing distribution Gentoo;

Young but promising distribution Ubuntu Linux.

Creator of the Linux kernel - Linus Torvalds. GNU/Linux does not have a geographical development center. There is no organization that owns this system; There is not even a single coordination center. Programs for GNU/Linux are the result of the work of thousands of projects. Some of these projects are centralized, some are concentrated in companies, but most bring together programmers from all over the world who know each other only through correspondence. Anyone can create their own project or join an existing one and, if successful, the results of the work will become known to millions of users. Users take part in testing free software and communicate directly with developers, which allows them to quickly find and fix errors and implement new features.

Linux has already occupied about 30% of the Australian server operating system market. The Australians were followed by the Brazilians. The Brazilian government has decided to stop spending money on software and switch from Microsoft products to open source systems, in particular the Linux OS. The main reason for the changes is economic. In our country, the Linux market is still small.

File system

All information on the computer is stored in files with which the operating system works.

File(file) - this is a named sequence of bytes, permanent storage place various types information.

Files are organized in catalogues, also called directories or folders. Catalog is a file that stores information about other files: name, size, creation date, file address on disk.

Any directory can contain any number subdirectories, each of which can store files and other directories.

Each disk has a master or root directory, which contains all other directories, called subdirectories, and some files. Thus, it is created hierarchical structure. The directory that the user is currently working with is called current.

Files and directories are the most important objects in the file system. File system- regulations that determine the method of organizing, storing and naming data on media. It defines the physical storage format for files. Specific file system defines the size of the file name, the maximum possible file size, and a set of file attributes.

The way data is organized into bytes is called file format. In order to read a file, such as a spreadsheet, you need to know how the bytes represent the numbers (formulas, text) in each cell; to read the file text editor, you need to know which bytes represent characters and which fonts or fields, as well as other information.

All files can be divided into two parts - text And binary.

Text files- the most common data type in computer world. One byte is most often allocated to store each character, and text files are encoded using special encoding tables.

But clean text files are becoming increasingly rare. People want documents to contain pictures and diagrams and use a variety of fonts. As a result, formats appear that are various combinations of text, graphics and other forms of data.

Binary files, unlike text ones, are not so easy to view and they usually do not contain words familiar to us - only a lot strange characters. These files are not intended to be directly read by humans. Examples of binary files are executable programs and files with graphic images.

Each file on the disk has a designation ( full name), which consists of 2 parts: name And extensions, separated by a dot.

File name extension- an optional sequence of characters added to the file name and intended to identify the type (format) of the file. This is one of the common ways in which a user or computer software can determine the type of data stored in a file.

In early operating systems, the length of the extension was limited to three characters; in modern operating systems, this limitation is not present.

The operating system or file manager can create mappings between file extensions and applications.

When a user opens a file with a registered extension, the program corresponding to that extension is automatically launched. Some extensions indicate that the file itself is a program. Often the file extension is displayed to the user by an icon.

Drivers

A variety of devices can be interfaced with a PC: video card, sound card, printer, scanner, manipulators, disk drives, digital cameras, Cell Phones... Each of them has its own set of commands - its own “language”. In order for a specific operating system to be able to control a specific device, they resort to the help of “translator” programs that, on the one hand, know the command language specific device, and on the other hand, the language of the specific operating system under which this device should operate.

This program is called driver(driver) and is supplied with the device by its manufacturer. Hardware manufacturers, as a rule, also post drivers for the devices they create on their websites.