010-160 · Question #55
Which one of the following is true about Open Source software?
The correct answer is B. Open Source software is available for commercial use. The Open Source Initiative (OSI) definition explicitly permits open source software to be used, modified, and distributed for commercial purposes.
Question
Options
- AOpen Source software can not be copied for free.
- BOpen Source software is available for commercial use.
- CThe freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable forms of the software but not the source code.
- DOpen Source software is not for sale.
How the community answered
(63 responses)- A2% (1)
- B92% (58)
- C5% (3)
- D2% (1)
Why each option
The Open Source Initiative (OSI) definition explicitly permits open source software to be used, modified, and distributed for commercial purposes.
Free redistribution is OSI criterion #1 - open source software must be freely copyable and distributable.
OSI criterion #6 of the Open Source Definition states there shall be no discrimination against fields of endeavor, meaning commercial use is explicitly permitted. This is a foundational principle distinguishing open source from freeware or non-commercial licenses.
OSI criterion #2 requires that the source code be included or easily obtainable - distributing only binaries without source access is not sufficient for open source compliance.
Open source software can legally be sold - many companies sell open source products along with support or services.
Concept tested: Open Source Definition and OSI criteria for licensing
Source: https://opensource.org/osd
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