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I have been hearing people use the term ‘open source’ completely incorrectly lately, and it is starting to get a bit distracting. Whether it is legal experts or just partners in the office, the phrase is often tossed around as if it meant ‘free.’ It does not. Let’s clear up this common bit of tech confusion once and for all.
Key takeaways
- Open source refers to the code, not the price. Just because the source code is available to view or modify does not mean you don’t have to pay for it.
- Free software is a different concept. Software can be ‘free’ (no cost) without being open source.
- Security by obscurity is dead. Hiding your code no longer keeps you safe, especially with modern AI tools.
- Clear definitions matter. Using the right terms helps your business make smarter decisions about IT investments and security.
Understanding the difference
At its core, ‘open source’ means that the original source code used to build a piece of software is made available to the public. If you or your IT team want to inspect it, add new features, or fix a bug, you have the instructions sitting right there. It is a fantastic collaborative model, but it has nothing to do with the price tag.
At Good Choice IT, we see businesses get tripped up on this all the time. They assume that if they choose an open-source tool, they are saving money on licensing. Sometimes they are, but often, the costs are just shifted toward implementation, custom development, or support services. Open source is about transparency and flexibility—not freebies.
The free software trap
It is easy to see how the name causes confusion. People often conflate ‘Free as in beer’ (zero cost) with ‘Free as in speech’ (freedom to modify). Here is a quick breakdown of how these terms generally fall into place:
| Term | What it actually means | Can you be charged? |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | The source code is accessible for modification | Yes |
| Free Software | No financial cost for the software itself | Typically no |
| Proprietary | Code is hidden and owned by a company | Yes |
It is very common for companies to create high-quality open-source software and charge for the support or enterprise versions of that same product. If you are choosing software based solely on the word ‘open,’ you might be surprised to find an invoice waiting for you at the end of the month.
Why hiding code isn’t real security
One of the most persistent myths I hear is that keeping your software’s source code hidden—or ‘security by obscurity’—is a valid way to protect your business. The thinking is that if hackers cannot see the code, they cannot find the vulnerabilities. Maybe that worked twenty years ago, but it is not a strategy today.
With the rise of AI, anybody with a bit of determination can analyse software, understand its structure, and find weaknesses regardless of whether the source code was officially ‘open.’ Instead of relying on secrecy, we focus on proactive, robust security measures at Good Choice IT. True protection comes from rigorous testing, regular patching, and smart monitoring, not by simply hiding your homework.
Keep your tech talk clear
Technology can be a complicated field, and it is perfectly fine to have questions about what you are using in your office. The risk comes when we stop asking because we are worried about looking out of the loop. If you are ever unsure about a license or whether a piece of software is right for your business, just ask us. We prefer plain talk over buzzwords any day.
If you need help navigating your IT strategy or understanding the tools you are paying for, get in touch with us at Good Choice IT. We help businesses across London and Surrey manage their IT challenges with no-nonsense, honest support.
