It’s an assumption of freedom, a trust in codes – software is to be offered to the world, with all ideas within its sources made malleable. The intention is to provide all users with the ability to choose their own desires, to establish their own rewards. The mediocrity of manufacturers is to be tolerated no more. Instead it is to be replaced with ingenuity. All are to share in the programs and change them to better versions of themselves. This is the philosophy that must be followed. This is the truth that can’t be denied.
It must still, however, be defined.
Too often open source software is believed to be without rules or limitations. Users care only for the convenience it provides, not the regulations they must follow. There are many conditions that must be met, though, before this term can be applied; and all must be aware of them — if only to ensure no copyrights are offended.
Open source software is most simply defined as any form of application that is offered to the public and can be redistributed without fear of penalty or punishment. These codes must be published for all, with no claims of reimbursement when they are taken; and no licenses can be attached that would deny modification.
Free software, it must be therefore noted, is not a guarantee of open sources. They share a common price but not a common goal (with free works often meant only to be sampled, encouraging users to choose future developments). But this distinction is often overlooked, with individuals assuming that all nonproprietary pieces can be shaped anew. They can’t. And this must be understood. Copyright laws must be recognized and followed. The definition must be remembered by all.
Open source software is a pleasure that can’t be denied; but it is still held to the standards of technology and must be understood. Not all codes can be rewritten or exchanged. Know this always.