"When a problem occurs with a piece of Windows software--be it a security snafu or other bug--users know exactly where to go to seek redress: Microsoft.
"But with open-source software, the model is much different. Certainly, the original vendor or developer often provides support, but that is only one of several options. Due to the transparency of open source--with its freely available code--many developers potentially could address the same problem.
"The open-source way of dealing with security vulnerabilities 'is a community-based approach, versus a single-source approach,' IDC analyst Chris Christiansen told NewsFactor. 'There is credence to giving the most people the most scrutiny over these vulnerabilities -- the more eyes the better...'"
