FACULTY : SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT : FOST
COURSE TITLE: OPEN SOURCE TECHNOLOGY
COURSE CODE : TCS 8113
INSTRUCTOR : MR. DICKSON R LUMUMBA
Name Registration Number

MENGI DANIEL LUZIBILA TK017/24/S0367/0125/2021

MARIAMU BURTON NUNDU TK017/24/S2057/01/6/2021
CHARLES JAMES JOHANES TK017/24/S4898/0040/2021
INOCENT GOFFREY SIMON TK017/24/S0640/0063/2021
MARIA SHUKURU ANDRERSON TK017/24/S0499/0033/2021
ELIZABETH BAL SON MWAKALIBULE TK017/24/S3135/0025/2019
PHILIMON JOSHUA MICHAEL TK017/24/S3438/0071/2021
MARIA IGNATIO MWALA TK017/24/S0135/0011/2020
FRANK WILLAM KYANDO TK017/24/S2826/0068/2012
QN 1.Imagine you're tasked with selecting software for a school's computer lab. The lab needs
reliable tools for teaching, file management, and multimedia editing You come across proprietary
software options that offer ready-to-use solutions with advanced features and professional
support but come at a cost. Discuss proprietary software in this context. Consider its advantages
and disadvantages. Also, give examples of proprietary software.
Based on the needs of the lab, would you choose proprietary software, or would an open-source
alternative be more practical? Explain your decision

Proprietary software is software that is owned by an individual or a

company (usually the software's developer). It is subject to strict
licensing terms that restrict its use, modification, and distribution. Users
typically purchase a license to use the software rather than owning the
software itself.
• Proprietary software, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or
Final Cut Pro, offers advanced features, professional support, and
reliability, making it ideal for schools with specific needs in teaching,
file management, and multimedia editing.
Advantages:
• User-friendly interfaces : Designed for ease of use, with
polished and intuitive layouts suitable for all users.
 Example: Microsoft Office provides a clean and consistent
interface that most users find easy to learn and use efficiently.
• Dedicated customer support : Includes reliable support
services for troubleshooting and updates.
• Example: Adobe offers 24/7 support for its Creative Cloud
subscribers, ensuring users can resolve issues without
downtime
Advantages
• High-quality, ready-to-use features : Offers robust, well-tested, and
ready-to-use tools, reducing the need for customization.
 Example: macOS comes preloaded with high-quality tools like Safari,
iMovie, and GarageBand, which are optimized for seamless integration.
Disadvantages:
• Expensive licensing fees : Users must pay for licenses, subscriptions,
or upgrades, which can be costly, especially for businesses needing
multiple licenses.
 Example: Microsoft Office requires a subscription (e.g., Microsoft 365),
which can be costly for large teams.
• Limited customization options : The source code is closed, restricting
users from modifying the software to fit specific needs or preferences.
 Example: Adobe Photoshop does not allow users to modify its core
functionality, restricting customization for unique workflows.
• For a school lab, proprietary software is practical if the budget
allows and the tools align closely with the curriculum.
However, open-source alternatives like LibreOffice, GIMP, or
Audacity may be better if cost-saving and flexibility are
priorities, despite requiring more technical knowledge for setup
and support.
• Decision: If the school can afford it, proprietary software
ensures efficiency and quality. Otherwise, open-source software
offers a cost-effective, adaptable solution.
2.Discuss the open source standard on bases of key features, key principles and
benefits of open source standard (example of open source standard)

• Open Source Standard refers to the principles and guidelines

that govern open-source software development and distribution.
Open-source software is made available with its source code,
allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute it under
specific licensing terms.
Features of Open Source Standard
• Freedom to use: Open source standards are freely available for
anyone to access, study, and implement without licensing fees.
• Interoperability :They enable seamless communication and
compatibility across diverse systems, ensuring devices,
software, or platforms work together efficiently.
• Transparency : The standards are developed openly, allowing
scrutiny, testing, and validation by anyone interested, ensuring
reliability and security.
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• Community-Driven Development : They are created and
maintained through collaboration among organizations,
developers, and users, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.
• No Vendor Lock-In : Since open source standards are not tied
to a specific company, users are free to choose solutions from
multiple providers without being locked into one ecosystem.
Key Principles of Open Source Standards
• Open Participation : Anyone can contribute to the
development of the standard, fostering innovation and
inclusivity.
• Non-Discrimination : The standards are accessible to all,
without restrictions based on region, organization, or individual
status.
• Technology Neutrality : Open source standards avoid favoring
specific technologies, promoting flexibility and adaptability to
diverse implementations.
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• Continuous Improvement : evolve over time through

community feedback and technological advancements,
maintaining their relevance.
• Global Accessibility : Open source standards aim to be
universally applicable, breaking barriers across borders and
industries.
 Benefits of Open Source Standard
• Cost-Effective : Their free availability reduces costs for businesses and
developers, promoting widespread adoption.
• Enhanced Innovation : Open collaboration encourages the development
of new ideas, technologies, and solutions.
• Improved Security : Transparent processes allow security experts to
identify and fix vulnerabilities promptly.
• Flexibility and Freedom : Organizations and developers can adapt and
customize implementations to meet their specific needs.
• Wider Adoption : Interoperability and universal applicability make
them widely adopted across industries, fostering global connectivity.
Example of an Open Source Standard
• HTML (HyperText Markup Language) : HTML, maintained by the
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), is a widely used open standard for
structuring and displaying content on the web. It exemplifies open source
principles by being accessible, interoperable across browsers, and
adaptable to various platforms and devices.

• Linux Kernel : The Linux kernel is an open-source standard in operating

systems. It enables developers to build applications, systems, and
distributions (like Ubuntu or Android) with consistent functionality and
interoperability.
3 (i) What is the open source licence
• An open-source license is a legal framework
that governs the use, distribution, and
modification of open-source software. These
licenses allow software to be freely shared
and modified, ensuring accessibility and
encouraging collaboration while also setting
conditions for how the software can be used.
3. (ii) With vivid example describe types of open
source licence
Types of Open Source Licenses with Examples
• Permissive Licence : These allow users to freely use, modify and
distribute the software even in proprietary projects within minimal
restrictions
Example
• MIT Licence MIT stand for Massachusetts Institute of technology.
You can use the code In any project even closed souces as long as to
include the original licences and attribution.
• Apache 2.0 License
• CopyLeft licence :There require that any modified or distributed version
of the software must also remain open sorce under same licence.
Example : GNU refer as General Public Licence: ensure all derivatives
remain open source and GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL)
• Weak Copyleft Licences : These balance between permission and strict
copyleft.
Example : Lapl (lesser General Public Licences) allowing linking with
proprietary software while requiring modification to Lapl covered
componets to remain open sources
continue..
• Public domain(NO licence) : Has No copyright of licences At all.The
creator waives all right to the work and anyone
Example CCO refer as creative common zero
• Creative common Licence : Are typically used for non software works
like text, images or music, These perhaps includes various restriction like
attribution, non commercial use and non derivative works
Example : CCBY
From question number 3 (ii) above pick at least two specific
open source license in each type and provided explanation
under the following conditions. Key features of license,
Advantage, disadvantage, when to use the licence and example
of software using particular license
1. Permissive Licenses
2. Copyleft Licenses
1. Permissive Licenses
(a) MIT License:
Key Features: Allows reuse, modification, and distribution with minimal
restrictions. Requires attribution to the original author.
Advantage: Highly flexible and simple; compatible with proprietary
software.
Disadvantage: No requirement to share improvements, risking proprietary
forks.
When to Use: Ideal for projects where you want widespread adoption and
minimal compliance overhead.
Example Software: React, Angular.
1. Permissive Licenses
(b) Apache 2.0 License:
Key Features: Similar to MIT but includes patent protection clauses.
Advantage: Protects users against patent litigation; permissive for wide
use.
Disadvantage: More complex than MIT; requires notices of significant
changes.
When to Use: When patents are a concern, or you want to ensure open
contributions.
• Example Software: Kubernetes, TensorFlow.
2. Copyleft Licenses
(a) GNU General Public License (GPL):
Key Features: Requires derivative works to be open-sourced under the
same license.
Advantage: Ensures contributions remain open-source.
Disadvantage: Restricts proprietary use, limiting commercial adoption.
When to Use: To ensure all derivative works stay open-source.
• Example Software: Linux, WordPress.
2. Copyleft Licenses
(b) GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL)
Key Features: Similar to GPL but allows linking with proprietary
software.
Advantage: Greater flexibility than GPL for use in mixed-license projects.
Disadvantage: Complex compliance requirements.
When to Use: For libraries that might be used in proprietary applications.
• Example Software: FFmpeg, glibc.
References
• Raymond, E. S. (1999). The Cathedral and the Bazaar: Musings on
Linux and Open Source by an Accidental Revolutionary. O'Reilly Media.

• DiBona, C., Ockman, S., & Stone, M. (Eds.). (1999). Open Sources:
Voices from the Open Source Revolution. O'Reilly Media.

• Fogel, K. (2005). Producing Open Source Software: How to Run a

Successful Free Software Project. O'Reilly Media.

• Bacon, J. (2009). The Art of Community: Building the New Age of

Participation. O'Reilly Media.
Thank You