What is the Difference Between Freeware and Open Source?

Freeware and open source software are two distinct concepts, each with its own set of characteristics and philosophies. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Definition: Freeware is cost-free software that is copyrighted, meaning it is available at no cost but still maintains its copyright. Open source software, on the other hand, is both free and publicly available to use, modify, repackage, and redistribute with no limitations.
2. Philosophy: Free software, which is often associated with open source software, is developed with the goal of promoting freedom and giving users complete control over the software. Open-source software is developed with the goal of producing high-quality software that can be used and improved by anyone.
3. Access to Source Code: Freeware does not necessarily provide access to the source code, while open-source software allows users to access, modify, and distribute the source code.
4. Modification and Distribution: Freeware may have limitations on modification and distribution, whereas open-source software allows users to modify and distribute the software without restrictions.
5. Examples: Examples of freeware include the LibreOffice suite and the Firefox browser. Examples of open-source software include the Linux operating system, the Apache web server, and the MySQL database management system.

In summary, freeware is cost-free software with copyright restrictions, while open-source software is both free and allows users to access, modify, and distribute the source code without limitations. The philosophies behind these two types of software differ, with free software focusing on promoting freedom and control for users and open-source software focusing on producing high-quality software through collaboration.

Comparative Table: Freeware vs Open Source

Here is a table comparing the differences between freeware and open source:

Freeware and open source are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many free software projects are also considered open-source software projects. The main difference between the two is that open-source software focuses on providing access to the source code and allowing modifications and redistribution, while freeware is copyrighted and may not provide access to the source code or allow modifications and redistribution.