Open Source Software Licenses

C.

The correct answer is C. Open source software.

Open source software is a type of software license model that allows developers to access, modify, and distribute the source code of a particular software application. This model allows for collaborative development, allowing other developers to review and improve upon the original code.

One of the main benefits of open source software is that it provides a level of transparency that proprietary or commercial software often lacks. This transparency helps ensure that the software is secure, reliable, and free from malicious code. Additionally, open source software is often free to use, which can be a cost-effective option for individuals and organizations.

In the case of open source software, developers are allowed to modify the original code and release their own versions of the application. This means that a developer can take an existing open source application, make changes to the code to suit their specific needs, and then release their own version of the software. This allows for a high level of customization and can be particularly useful for organizations with unique or specific requirements for their software applications.

In contrast, proprietary software and commercial software typically do not allow for modification of the original code or distribution of modified versions. Proprietary software is owned by a single company or individual, and the source code is kept secret, so modifications are not allowed. Commercial software is typically sold for profit, and the license agreements often prohibit modification or redistribution without permission.

Cross-platform software, on the other hand, refers to software applications that can run on multiple operating systems or platforms. This has more to do with the technical specifications of the software rather than the license model.