Open Source: Linux

The design behind Open Source software is quite simple. When programmers can read, change and distribute code easily, the code will mature. This all happens at a speeds far faster then if it was privately driven at conventional companies. Because the code is free, more people will be testing it than the closed software developer can. Open Source is free and anyone can improve it.

Many of you may think you are not familiar with any Open Source programs but think again. You are using Linux when you look at Google, Facebook or Amazon. In an interview with the creator of the Linux operating system, Linus Torvalds, states that for the past 10 years Linux has been striving to be more portable so it can run on anything from cellphones to supercomputers.  Do you own or know someone that owns an Android cell phone? Well it uses Linux.

There is much debate on Linux being the future of gaming. the Linux platform is said to be faster and more stable than any of the other platforms, but due to its lack of games, it just hasn't made it. Already some of the big labels in the gaming community like Steam have many games running on Linux, but as for the personal computer, Linux just isn't popular. 

There is also a credit card sized computer out on the market called Raspberry Pi. This system is Linux based and only costs $25!  Although you won't be able to play Diablo III on it, it will do common computing tasks such as spreadsheets and word processing. It could get people involved in computers who otherwise wouldn't be. It can get people in the mindset of using computers to do everyday tasks like controlling your water heater.



This cheap little computer can be a milestone to a Jetsons future!!