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What Is Open Source?

Posted: September 23rd, 2008 | Author: | Filed under: Open Source | 2 Comments »

Open Source, of the software type, is an umbrella term for software whose code base (or underlying design plan) is available for public use and scrutiny. It is usually maintained by a community of volunteers or by paid employees of companies that also utilize the software in business. There are many popular open source projects that range from stand alone operating systems like Ubuntu to online developmental frameworks like Ruby on Rails.

While open source can at first seem a little confusing, the benefits are very clear. Privately developed and marketed software is considered “closed source” because interested parties cannot download the code base for personal reuse or examination. Popular closed source programs would be Microsoft Windows or Adobe Photoshop. Open source software is often free to download and reuse.

Some of the open source projects that commonly pop up in our projects are content management systems, blogging software, and forum software. Here are some popular ones:

  • WordPress. A popular, free, and open source blogging software that runs online.
  • Drupal. A free content management system. It is open source and quite popular.
  • Joomla!. While not as popular as Drupal, Joomla! is also free and open source.
  • PunBB. A common, free, and open source forum software that enables visitors to have conversations.

By utilizing these open source programs (and many, man more), Mid Missouri Web Design stays at the front of the curve and keeps prices low. Because we have hundreds of eyes scanning your site’s design, your’s will be among the most secure on the internet.

2 Comments on “What Is Open Source?”

  1. #1 Jacob Roeland said at 1:37 pm on March 20th, 2010:

    Could I see examples of where y’all have deployed Drupal sites? I would love to see how you set it up, what the design was, the primary use for it, etc.

  2. #2 Corky Stack said at 12:03 am on November 16th, 2010:

    I have put together a rudimentary website using Joomla for our rental cabins and am in a little over my head. I need help cleaning it up, making changes to the layout that I want done, creating a revolving photo or video highlighting the amenities and attractions at our destination, and having an availability calendar similar to that found at (rock eddy bluff farm) website. I would like to be able to edit or add content easier with the help of a “cheat sheet” from someone experienced with Joomla. Obviously I will need to be able to continually update the calendar.

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