History of free and open-source software

<p>The history of <a href="/facts/Free_and_open-source_software/1cHtjLCB">free and open-source software</a> begins at the <a href="/facts/History_of_software/MpDlQUEr">advent of computer software</a> in the early half of the 20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, computer operating software and <a href="/facts/Compiler/WNfCDFJe">compilers</a> were delivered as a part of <a href="/facts/Computer_hardware/8jSjsCNv">hardware</a> purchases without separate fees. At the time, <a href="/facts/Source_code/o9J6Jv23">source code</a>—the human-readable form of software—was generally distributed with the software, providing the ability to fix bugs or add new functions. Universities were early adopters of computing technology. Many of the modifications developed by universities were openly shared, in keeping with the academic principles of <a href="/facts/Sharing_knowledge/c6arhqU4">sharing knowledge</a>, and organizations sprung up to facilitate sharing.
</p><p>As large-scale <a href="/facts/Operating_system/8XTuvMh2">operating systems</a> matured, fewer organizations allowed modifications to the operating software, and eventually such operating systems were closed to modification. However, utilities and other added-function applications are still shared and new organizations have been formed to promote the sharing of software.
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History of free and open-source software open-in-new

History of free and open-source software