In order to be considered Open Source, a software must qualify on all of these parameters. These parameters are very specific and are as laid down below. The Open Source Initiative has set certain parameters to determine whether a software license renders the software open source or not. In this Techspirited article, we will take a look at some popular and highly recommended open source software examples for different types of operating systems.Īn open source computer software is either a systems software or an application software that is available freely in the form of source codes and the users are permitted, under the software license, to study, modify and improve the software. There are many different types of application software which are open source and most of us regularly download and use them on our PC/laptop, such as VLC. Of the three, the latter two come in two broad classifications – open source and closed source. There are three major types of software – Programming Software, Systems Software and Application Software. Here are some examples along with a brief insight into the ‘what’s and ‘how’s of open source computer software applications. If you have ever used Ubuntu or Linux, you probably have some idea about open source software.