All software is composed entirely of instructions called source code. This code is usually hidden from the user so the company who made the software can protect their work and sell the software. This type of software that does not allow access to the source code is typically called closed source or proprietary. So, by simple reasoning, open source software is software that allows the user to see source code and make changes to it. It guarantees the programmers of the software the following rights: the right to make copies of the program, and distribute those copies, the right to have access to the software’s source code, a necessary preliminary before you can change it, and the right to make improvements to the program . It also contains a special license that requires others to distribute the software with the source code included, regardless of any changes made to the software. This idea of open source software was created specifically with the intent of developing better software in a shorter period of time. When everyone can access the source code, problems in the software can be found more quickly, more improvements will be made, and ultimately, better, more efficient software will be the result. An advantage to open source software is that people can change the software to fit exact, unique needs. If you are using a software application, but the application is missing a feature, you can simply add that feature by adding to the code. The single, most widely known example of open source software is the operating system called Linux. Linux is an operating system created from UNIX. The great thing about Linux, besides the fact that it’s relatively free, is that it carries vast possibilities for customization. It can be changed just by editing the source code. This issue of open-source versus closed source has been brought to the attention of the public recently with the Microsoft lawsuit. Microsoft owns the very popular Windows operating system as well as the Microsoft Internet Explorer. This software is so popular that they have been accused of attempting to dominate access to the Internet. They have been accused of dominating Internet access because it is very difficult to get access without their software. Meanwhile, the software that runs the Internet is totally free. So it makes sense that the software that accesses the Internet should be totally free as well. Overall, open-source software is better for the public because it is cheaper, more user friendly, and it allows for better software to be created with less time required for development. But, without closed source software, companies such as Microsoft would never be able to make the billions of dollars they do. Personally, I believe that if a software company can become so popular that their product is almost required to access the World Wide Web, than good for that company. We live in America, so everyone should have the right to protect what is theirs, which may include source code.