Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) | Safe or Not?

As the name suggests, Free and Open Source software (FOSS) is a crossover between Free Software and Open-Source Software. But what actually is FOSS and How does it differ from a normal software? To understand all of this in-detail, let’s first understand what is an Open-Source Software?

What is an Open-Source Software?

Not everyone is trying to make big bucks out of their skill. There are various communities of developers that constantly work to create software that is available for free and anyone with proper skill can modify the software as per their requirement.

Typically speaking, Open-Source is strictly meant for the software’s source-code. Any software for which the basic source-code is freely available to be copied and scrutinized is known as an Open-Source software. All the Open-Source software are available for Free and can be customized as per user’s own need.

ALL OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE ARE FREE BUT NOT ALL FREE SOFTWARE ARE OPEN-SOURCE

Free Software Movement:

Free Software Movement was started by Richard Stallman. It is essentially what you would believe it to be. The Free Software movement established Four Essential Freedoms of Free Software.

• The Freedom to Run Program as you wish.
• Study the functioning of the Program and access the source-code of the software.
• The Freedom to Redistribute the Software
• Redistribute the Customized version of the software for common good.

Benefits of Open-Source Software:

Speaking broadly, Open-Source software is licensed under the agreement where the copyright holder allows everyone to use, make changes, and study the software.

Open-Source software allows an opportunity to learn the basics and to improve the software by allowing all the developers around the world. This constant chain of development often creates some great software.

Security Issues with Open Source Software and How to Protect Yourself

Even though Open Source software is almost risk-free because their source-code is available to be evaluated by all other developers, they can sometimes be fatal. Here are a few tips always remember when using an Open-Source software:

Do some Research:

Before installing an Open-Source software on your PC, always do some background check about the software. Read reviews and see if there have been reported cases about any malware or sort. Also, when installing a customized version of the original open-source software, make sure you research about the modified software as well and not just the original one.

Only Download from the Official Website:

Whenever you decide to go ahead and download an open-source software, make sure you download it from the official website only. In case of the Modified version, search for the Official website of the modifier.

Always use an Antivirus:

Antivirus software is essential not just for the sake of Open-Source software but for every program or file you download from the web. Antivirus software is highly capable in detecting and removing any malware that you may come across. Because Open-source Software is easily customizable, it can be easily modified to transfer malware to the users’ computer. Hence, it is a good practice to have a good Antivirus installed on your PC at all times.

These are some of the security issues with Open-Source software. Though there are various Antivirus solutions available in the market, we suggest using Systweak Antivirus for all round security from Malware.

Systweak Antivirus:

Systweak Antivirus is one of the most secure and advanced Antivirus software in the market. It comes equipped with outstanding security features to protect you from various threats. Some of the most highlighted features of Systweak Antivirus are:

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1. Malware Protection:

As its basic function of Antivirus Software, Systweak Antivirus offers outstanding Malware protection. Systweak Antivirus is also proven to help eliminate the latest Malware.

2. Real-Time Processing:

In case of Ransomware attacks and various other Malware, we can’t do much once the damage has been done. Systweak Antivirus keeps working in Real-Time in the background to keep you protected at all times before these malware do any damage to your system.

3. Safe Web Browsing:

Systweak Antivirus also works to ensure safe web browsing by blocking the web suspicious web pages and preventing phishing attacks.

With all these awesome features and more, Systweak Antivirus is one of the best Antivirus solutions for Windows Machine.

So, this was all about What is FOSS, Is Open Source Software safe, and Security Issues with Open-source software. I hope you found the information helpful. If you have any query, do let us know in the comment section below. Keep Visiting Tweak Library for more such tech-related content.

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