MANABI #2 — OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
Hello Everyone.
Welcome Back to Manabi. Took a short break but we’re back. Today, we’ll be looking at Open Source Software, how it affects code, the Pros and Cons. We’ll also be looking at how Open Source Software will affect the Tech Industry in the forthcoming years. I’ll be assisted by a Special Guest; Alexis Abakasanga, a Final Year Student of Afe Babalola University and UI/UX Designer.
Hello Alexis, Welcome. Kindly introduce yourself.
Alexis: Hey Everyone, my name is Alexis Abakasanga and I’m a Final Year Student of Afe Babalola University studying Computer Engineering and I’m a UI/UX Designer.
Alright, what do you Understand by Open Source Software?
Alexis: Well, Open-Source software is Computer software that is released under a license in which the copyright holder grants users the right to use, study, change and distribute the Software and its Source Code to anyone and for any purpose.
In simpler terms, it is a software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified.
Thank You. You recently Attended a Tech Event in Abuja on Open Source, can you tell us about that?
Alexis: Yes, OPEN SOURCE DAY ABUJA (OSCA ABUJA). It took place on the 25th of June, 2022 in Abuja, FCT. It was a good experience; a lot was discussed on Open Source software and technology. I made a Twitter Thread about it.
What are some Open Source Software that are currently being used today:
Alexis: Off the top of my head, I can think of the most popular which is VLC Media Player. It allows you to optimize your audio and video files for a particular hardware configuration and also offers a plethora of extensions and skins which allows you to create customized designs. What’s more, it runs on different platforms such as Android, Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, iOS and more.
Notable Mentions Include: Mozilla Firefox, Linux and Python.
Pros and Cons Of Using Open Source Software:
Get Princewill Williams’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Alexis:
For Pros, I’d say:
1. It is very reliable.
2. It is flexible.
3. It is also very scalable.
4. It is Cost Effective.
For Cons, I’d Say:
1. Security is at a greater risk, which can involve identity theft and malicious transfers.
2. Not all systems are compatible with Open Source software, so before getting a system, you need to confirm its compatibility with Open Source software.
3. Maintenance is an issue. Even though Open Source software does not contain any upfront costs, still it is equipped with some hidden costs. Especially with maintenance. If you face any problems in the implementation process, a third party support may be needed which could charge additionally. This is a problem for businesses that are unaware of the hidden costs.
How do you think Open Source Software will affect the Technology Industry in the Forthcoming Years?
Alexis: Open Source is driving innovation in emerging technological fields such as artificial intelligence, automation, virtual reality, quantum computing, IT, and edge computing.
And because no single organisation can solve the world’s greatest challenges alone, especially considering the pace and complexity of today’s technological advances, the Open Source model fosters collaboration across global communities to bring the best ideas forward from anyone — to the benefit of everyone.
Today, 90% of global IT leaders have embraced using Enterprise Open Source software to solve problems and reach the forefront of innovation in an increasingly complex and connected world. This includes some of the largest governments, banks, institutions, scientific organisations, and enterprises. In notable years, we would have more Open Source Software.
Summary
Open Source Software is a big plus to Tech because of its advantages but then as with all things, it has disadvantages. Most of the time, it depends on the programmers building the software, but with the continued growth of the Tech world, we won’t be surprised to see more Open Source Software.
Thank you for reading this article.
Stop by my Linktree, there you’ll find all social networks I use.
