In order to qualify as an open source program, a project must include the source code. This offers the user several benefits, but one of the most important features it the ability to customize a program to fit your exact needs.
With prepackaged software, you can encounter a few pitfalls.
-The program may not meet your exact needs, which means you have to modify your business model to work with the program.
-The software package may lock you in to one type of manufacturer. For example, Windows usually designs its products to work on Windows operating systems.
-The program may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Open source software, such as KMPlayer or VLC media player, helps you avoid these pitfalls. You can customize the code to modify everything from the user interface to the way the media player works. Many open source programs actually have versions available for various operating systems. If you prefer Linux to Mac, you can find the right version without having to pay any additional costs for the specific version.
Customizing your software programs can provide you with a competitive edge that will allow you to surpass the competition. Modifying the source code lets you create a program designed to boost your productivity. Additionally, you can use part of the source code to create a new program without having to pay a royalty or fee to the open source developer. For example, KMPlayer is a front-end program that relies on MPlayer for its back-end support.
You don’t have to rely only on open source programs for a customized software package, but it can be a starting point for you. Even if you have no experience modifying code, you can usually hire a programmer to make the modifications for you for less than it would cost to buy a package that won’t fit your needs perfectly.
