Open source software is software whose source code is available for anyone to inspect, customize, and enhance.  It is created by a worldwide community of developers and organizations, resulting in high quality, peer reviewed software that is responsive to user needs.  This puts open source software on the cutting edge of technology and delivers a high level of security, since bugs and security holes can be quickly found and remedied.  Like other open content, open source software employs an open license that permits its free distribution and modification. Open source software is used in many sectors, including government, industry, social benefit organizations and education.

David Tucker – University of California in Santa Cruz

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