- What is open source software (OSS)?
- Software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to use, modify, and redistribute. Linux, Firefox, and WordPress are well-known examples.
- What are the benefits of using OSS over commercial software?
- OSS is free to use, fully customizable, and avoids vendor lock-in. With public source code, security is transparent and auditable.
- Is OSS secure?
- Many OSS projects are actively audited by large communities. Vulnerabilities (CVEs) are addressed quickly, and enterprise support is available from companies like Red Hat and Canonical.
- What are the main OSS license types?
- MIT (most permissive), Apache-2.0 (with patent protection), GPL (derivatives must be open), and AGPL (network use also requires disclosure) are the most common licenses.
- What is self-hosting?
- Running software on your own servers. It ensures data sovereignty and privacy. Many OSS projects offer easy self-hosting via Docker.
- What are the listing criteria for this site?
- Projects must be publicly available on GitHub, actively maintained, and serve as practical alternatives to commercial SaaS products.