Open Source Software

In open source software, the source code is freely available. In this article, you‘ll learn about the advantages, why open source software is used, and how you can benefit from it.

Proprietary Software

With proprietary software, the source code cannot be viewed. Here, a company owns the rights to the software (e.g., Microsoft with the MS-Office suite or Google with “Google Drive“). What this software actually does in the background remains the company‘s secret.

Why Open Source Software?

Open source software leverages the collective intelligence and collaboration of a global community of developers to create software solutions that are freely accessible, customizable, and can be further developed by anyone. The basic idea of open source is to make software accessible to everyone, free from the constraints of traditional licensing models.

By disclosing the source code, open source promotes a culture of sharing and learning to develop robust, secure, and efficient software.

This practice encourages rapid bug fixing and feature improvements, as developers around the world can contribute to the codebase.

Is Open Source Software Free?

Open source projects often make their basic software available for free but accept voluntary donations. These donations support the continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of the software without affecting general accessibility or functionality. Additionally, paid extensions, premium features, and professional support are frequently offered to users. This revenue helps support and develop the projects in the long term.

Open Source Software on Your Smartphone

Fossify

The calendar app offers all the features you need. The app is free and without ads.

FairEmail

The email client for Android can be customized extensively, protects your privacy, and uses little battery power.

Signal Messenger

With Signal, you get a great messenger that offers similar features to WhatsApp but respects your privacy and doesn‘t share your data.

Nextcloud

With the Nextcloud app, you can access your personal cloud, automatically upload images, and edit documents.

KeePassDX

With this password manager for Android, you can access and create passwords both locally and in the cloud.

Authenticator Pro

With this app, you can create OTP codes for two-factor authentication.

Play Store

Nextcloud Memories

With Nextcloud Memories, your photos in Nextcloud are displayed clearly with great features such as a photo timeline and a photo map.

Organic Maps

Organic Maps is a map app for travelers, tourists, hikers, and cyclists, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Nextcloud News

This news app displays RSS feeds subscribed to in Nextcloud.

NewPipe

With NewPipe, you can watch YouTube videos without ads and tracking.

Nextcloud Deck

This app brings Nextcloud’s Kanban board to your smartphone.

Open Source Software on Your Computer

Thunderbird

With this email client, you can log into different accounts, read, write, and encrypt emails.

Firefox

The Firefox web browser is fast, secure, and respects your privacy.

Website

KeePassXC

With this tool, complex passwords can be generated, saved, and retrieved.

LibreOffice

LibreOffice provides you with a complete and open source office suite.

Nextcloud Client

The Nextcloud client synchronizes selected folders with the cloud and implements end-to-end encryption.