Open Source is not just about free software, it is a methodology of peer reviewing and not re-inventing the wheel. Open means you can freely use, modify and sell the software if you want (you must allow the source to be distributed with your binary software if sold). This means people can learn, improve and benefit from your work. Most people will just use the software, which is generally free to download and pay for support options. By using the software and reporting problems, the code improves and quickly becomes stable and secure. The best example of Open Source Software is the Linux operating system which is a powerful and very stable system. Linux and OSS application software have surpassed Vista's features and it is free! No wonder Microsoft spend millions advertising where people are looking for Linux information. Try Firefox for your browser, Thunderbird for your email and OpenOffice.org for your office suite (they run on Windows as well as Linux). They are quality software and by using them you will lessen the stranglehold Microsoft has on the PC industry and promote competition, innovation and open standards.
Discover Linux
http://discoverlinux.co.uk/geeklog/public_html/article.php/20060609155451816