Now, every swipe, search, and click in the digital realm leaves a digital footprint. A vast majority of users utilize software without understanding how it works and the information it captures. Open source software provides an escape. It gives control, transparency, and sovereignty in a world where tech companies frequently obfuscate their intentions.

In this post, we will discuss the importance of using open tools and how they can help in protecting personal digital independence.

What Exactly Is Open Source Software?

“Open source” software refers to software with an underlying code that is available to the public meaning it can be accessed, modified, or distributed freely. This is the opposite of “closed source” or proprietary software where the “open source” label is kept secret and inaccessible by the company that owns it.

It is like a big public recipe book that provides everyone the option to read, access, and better it. Ranging from applications, and browsers to even operating systems, their accompanying source code is available for public access and can be modified or shared as per the user’s wishes.

Users are the main controllers of the software, contrary to closed-source software which only exerts control over every feature and aspect of the company. Examples of OSS are Linux, Firefox, LibreOffice, and GIMP.

Why Digital Freedom Matters More Than Ever?

Is it possible that you are forced to update software just so that you can continue using it? Or, are there situations when you want to uninstall a program but you are unable to do so? In both cases, freedom does not seem to be an option. It’s dependence. When one thinks about the context of a data-driven economy, the reliance on private tech companies poses significant questions.

A majority of proprietary software commercially available today does not give users enough freedom as it often conceals its functionality while simultaneously harvesting sensitive data.

Contrary to this, OSS thrives on transparency. It allows full access to its inner workings, and data collection (if any), and is customizable to fulfill individual needs. You aren’t confined to untrustworthy software. You have the freedom to change or abandon it altogether.

• A real life example of this is Munich, Germany, where the city’s administration migrated thousands of its systems to the Open Source (OS), Linux, to cut down on vendor dependency and increase security.

Why Trust Matters in Tech?

In the case of commercial software, trust is completely taken at face value with no evidence presented. The processes that occur behind the curtain are unknown to you. You have no choice but to trust updates that tend to break things, give away personal data, and are made without customers truly understanding the implications of it.

Transparent software builds trust differently. The source code is publicly accessible and it can be checked by anyone. Developers all over the globe verify the code for bugs, optimize, and patch security holes. The community has the power to fix things very quickly if they are found to be going wrong.

A strong case for this is the Heartbleed security bug. It was found on the open-source tool that many websites use. Because the code is public, the implementation experts were able to identify the problem very quickly and push a fix, which would have taken much longer in a closed environment.

Community Tools vs Corporate Control

The community makes free software exceptional and unique. It brings together everyone, not just developers, designers, and writers, but even ordinary users who come together to help create something beneficial. The primary motive isn’t earning millions, but rather resolving difficulties, learning new things, and sharing knowledge.

The following projects are perfect examples of what can be achieved through a community-driven model:

• According to Codesky, WordPress is responsible for over 43% of the websites currently on the Internet.
• The Apache web server software is one of the most used and the backbone of a lot of websites across the globe.
• Blender is a 3D animation tool used by professionals and hobbyists alike.

The tools mentioned above are free to use and improve as their users help develop and modify them. Not only do they outperform paid options, but their quality gets better over time.

Learning by Exploring

If you are a person who loves to learn, open tools provide numerous opportunities. The vast array of open tools is a great benefit for people who enjoy learning because everything is coded and can be accessed for further investigation.

Not only does this allow students and young developers to learn, but it also allows everyday inquisitive users to take advantage of this opportunity. Watching a video on how a program function differs greatly from being able to open the program and interact with its inner workings.

This is made easier with the existence of platforms like GitHub. Open Source software does not require a programming background to use. Several free tools are designed with the non-technical user in mind, featuring intuitive designs, comprehensive tutorials, and lively support forums.

Here are some of the tools you can try anytime:

These tools do not display advertisements, monitor your behaviors, or impose any fees.

Fairer, More Inclusive Technology

What’s interesting is that even big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM now support open source. They fund projects, hire developers, and release parts of their code. Why? Because they’ve seen how open development leads to better quality, faster innovation, and stronger security.

But beyond all that, there’s a bigger reason to support open software: fairness.

It helps:

• Schools save money and teach tech skills.
• Small businesses cut down on expensive licenses.
• Local governments stay independent and secure.
• Students and hobbyists learn and grow.
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Ready to take the first step toward OSS?

Open Source software allows you to make incremental switches to your tech ecosystem. You can start by switching your browser to Firefox. You can also use LibreOffice as your document editor.

For secure messaging, you can use Signal. You can also join a community or check out an open-source project. These steps allow you to increase privacy, protect your data, and use technology more efficiently. OSS has a place outside the tech world. It’s meant for anyone who dreams of a fair and free digital society.

All of this is made possible by a single decision - yours.

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FAQs

Q1. Why is Open Source software important?

OSS allows users management, clarity, and liberty over their digital instruments, alleviating reliance on major technology companies.

Q2. What is software freedom in open-source technology?

Software freedom in open-source technology means there are no restrictions on using, modifying, sharing, and studying the software.

Q3. What is the key feature of OSS?

An essential aspect is that its source code can be accessed by the public and hence can be viewed, edited, and disseminated freely.

Q4. Which of these is an advantage of using OSS?

OSS provides economic advantage, enhanced privacy, community sponsorship, and an absence of dependence on vendors.