Open system definition
An open system is an open-source operating system that consists of components from several sources and doesn’t rely on proprietary elements. Open systems typically have characteristics like the exposure of the source code, which can be viewed, analyzed, modified, and improved by anyone. Open systems can be used in various environments and function with other systems.
How open systems work
- Open systems are based on open standards and protocols, meaning they can communicate with other systems.
- An open system’s hardware and software are designed to work together and independently.
- Users can choose the components that meet their needs and upgrade their systems as new tech becomes available.
Open system examples
- Linux operating system. This open-source operating system is designed to be compatible with various hardware and software configurations.
- Apache web server. Apache is an open-source web server widely used for hosting websites and web applications. It’s designed to be modular and extensible, allowing developers to add or remove functionality as needed.
- Firefox web browser. Firefox browser is designed to be customizable and interoperable with other systems. Firefox uses open standards and protocols to enable integration with other web apps and services.
