[ Thanks to Locutus
for this link. ]
“Computer software has become so important these days that we
simply cannot live without it. From something as simple as a watch
(which really does not need a computer program but there are
watches like that around) to a world spanning interconnected
project to search for alien life. We use computer programs to work,
eat, learn and play. Without computer programs this modern world
will come to a screeching halt.“There are 10 major groupings of computer programs. Proprietary
or closed source programs often run by private companies and open
source programs which are often developed by the general
programming community for the benefit of all. There are some very
noticeable open source programs which many people rely on. Some
such well known titles are Firefox, Open Office, VLC, Audacity,
Gimp, Linux, BSD and many others. There are literally tens of
thousands of open source programs, most of which are free for
personal usage. Not free as in financial freedom but freedom of
knowledge rights. Many people and businesses, even banks, stock
exchanges and gubberments rely on open source software to performs
their daily tasks.”