Book - 18

In my book review no. 13, I had reviewed the book 'Just For Fun: the story of an accidental revolutionary'. It is an autobiography of Linus Torvald who originated Linux. Today I wish to talk about a book on Linux,  'The Joy of Linux: A Gourmet Guide to Open Source' written by Michael Hall & Bian Roffitt.

Windows is the most popular operating system on desktops and laptops. Unix is another operating system that is supposed to be most stable but is difficult  to operate.  In the beginning of 1990's Linus started writing easier version of Unix. It came to be known as Linus's Unix or Linux. Unlike windows (which is closed and  proprietary software), Linux is an  open source software. And before I tell you about the book, a few words about close and open source software.

A Computer programme consists of two parts: source code and object code (or machine code). At present, computer programme are written in advanced languages like Cobol, or Fortran or C⁺⁺   using English words. This can be understood by and this is known as source code. In order that it should be understood by computer one has to convert (compile) source code into machine language; the compiled version (which can be understood by computer) is called object code or machine code.  Computer programme (source code as well as object code) is a literary work and is protected as a copy right. Source code of proprietary software is generally kept secret;  one cannot see it; it is close source software. The  source code of the proprietary software, in such an event is protected as a trade secret or undisclosed information. 

Copyleft is opposite of copyright i.e. in which the writers have ensured that neither they nor anyone else may have any copyright; no one may earn royalty on the same.  This can happen only,

1.   When source code is open and can be read or seen by everyone.

2.   Some conditions are attached with copylefting it.

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