What is an open source operating system?

An open source operating system is defined as software whose source code is made freely available to the public. This allows anyone to access, modify, and distribute the software to meet their specific requirements. The fundamental characteristic of open source software is that it promotes collaboration and transparency, enabling users not only to use the software but also to improve it or adapt it for personal or organizational needs.

This concept is in contrast to proprietary software, which often comes with restrictions, such as licensing fees and code that cannot be modified by users. The ability to tailor the operating system to specific conditions or preferences exemplifies the flexibility and community-driven nature of open source systems. As such, users benefit from a sense of ownership and control over the software they utilize.

Other choices do not align with the principles of open source. For example, selling software at a premium price or requiring subscription fees relates to proprietary models, while limitations on hardware compatibility can apply to both open and closed source systems.