Open Source Software

[RFluegge]

What is the general feeling at your company regarding the use of "open source" software? Examples of open source software include FireFox and Linux.

Generically, open source refers to a program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification from its original design free of charge, i.e., open. Open source code is typically created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share the changes within the community. Open source sprouted in the technological community as a response to proprietary software owned by corporations.

Open source software is generally free and has no licensing or maintenance fees.

The rationale for this movement is that a larger group of programmers not concerned with proprietary ownership or financial gain will produce a more useful and bug-free product for everyone to use. The concept relies on peer review to find and eliminate bugs in the program code, a process which commercially developed and packaged programs do not utilize.

Programmers on the Internet read, redistribute and modify the source code, forcing an expedient evolution of the product. The process of eliminating bugs and improving the software happens at a much quicker rate than through the traditional development channels of commercial software as the information is shared throughout the open source community and does not originate and channel through a corporation's research and development cogs.

[mercury]

I downloaded your software from GADS Opensource Installation. But I am finding it difficult to install the program.

1. I want to operate the program as a desktop stand-alone program with just one user - that is myself.
2. I checked to see that .NET Framework SP1 and the JetEngine version are installed on my computer.
3. I have the Access 2007 database - so the files are .accdb type.
4. I am not able to install the GADSNG.mdb file. That seems to be the holdup.
Will you please guide me how to overcome this problem. I see the file in the GADSNG.XML file, but it is not installed in the folders. Other .mdb files are installed.

Will you please help me?

[RFluegge]

If you're still unable to install the software, please call me at 1-972-625-5653

Ron Fluegge