open source software & closed source software?

open source is free, but of lesser quality. programmers can copy the source code and make improvements to it.

closed source costs $$, but is of higher quality, and is supported by updates and the like.

Obviously, the biggest advantage of open source software is the the price – free!
There is also the advantage of many different contributors having a hand in perfecting the final release.
One of the disadvantages of open source could be the lack of ‘live’ technical support. However, anyone who has called SBC Yahoo’s support, Dell’s , and even Microsoft’s know the frustration that can bring.
I have found that the Linux family of users are especially eager and able to share and help one another for the most part.

The big advantage is cost. Opensource is free, closed source cost money. However, this same advantage sometimes is a disadvantage because I have found that usually (not all the time) closed source software has better customer/technical support. With opensource, you are pretty much on your own as far as figuring things out if something goes wrong or if there is a bug. But for someone willing to invest the time and trouble to take on the learning curve, opensource is a great way to have the tools you need to get the job done you need to do. Personally, on my computers, I have both open and closed source type programs. I have found some opensource programs that are as good or better than their commercial counterparts. Don’t be afraid to try them out.