Open Source vs Proprietary Software: A Comparative Analysis

Running head: CYBER CRIME
Cyber Crime
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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CYBER CRIME
Open Source Software
Open source software is emerging as the most sensational discovery in the Information
Technology arena and the internet has modified itself into a remarkable place where there is
constant debate as to which is better-open source software or proprietary software (Pereira et al.,
2018). With the huge success of open source software, it is safe to conclude that it has changed
the dimension of how internet is perceived, thereby making its journey into mainstream software
arena. Open Source software can be defined as a method of distribution of software which is
permitted under a licensing agreement (Söderberg at al., 2015). Under the open source
agreement, the source code is allowed to be shared as well as viewed. This viewing or
modification is done by both users as well as organizations. Some rights and modifications are
also part of the open source software framework, like free distribution rights, any access to the
source code mentioned, the right to distribute as well as the permission to modify (Zhu at al.,
2014). Though there exists a right to modify, the right is limited to that and there is no
permission to modify the software against any person, field or specific group (Rost et al., 2016).
Proprietary Software
The proprietary software is not similar to open source software as the former is used for
the purpose of machine programming which is only allowed under the supervision of a trusted
copyright holder wherein advantages can be reaped (Silva et al., 2014). This software is used for
the purpose of utilizing the already existing equipment which is created by any individual for
repute or skill into a completely new equipment so that brand new programming can be made.
Proprietary software works on the principle of secrecy, that is, the source code is kept a mystery.
There is a level of exclusivity that is maintained in case of proprietary software (Cadariu et al.,
2015).