Open Source - Important or not?

Open Source is the term used to describe free access to the source code of a program and extension free redistribution rights for the software. In simpler times (and what I understand), it is free software made available to the public, who are then able to modify and download with no costs.

Here's a video I found on YouTube which made me understand the whole concept of open source a bit better:

Linux, Apache, PHP and MySQL are just a few examples of open source software. Linux is a popular operating system which is very similar to Windows and Mac OS.

I even use open source software myself. Instead of using Microsoft Office, I use Open Office, which is the "leading open-source office software suite". I am also a user of Audacity. Other examples of open source software include NVU, which is the equivalent to Dreamweaver. Firefox, which is the equivalent to Internet Explorer and The Gimp which can be used instead of Photoshop.

Brazil announced a few years ago that they will be adopting to open source software. The article,  announced that Brazil's government ministries will be abandoning Windows in favour of the Linux operating system. By switching from Windows to open source software, they believe that they can save around $120 a year! The main reason for this switchover is down to economics. In my opinion, I would do the same as well considering you will be saving money. Plus, why use Windows when you have the alternative of using the Linux operating system which is free and shares the same functions.

Overall, it seems that open-source alternatives could be good for developing countries. Reason being, not only will it help decrease the digital divide but it is also the cheaper option for allow those living in developing countries to have access to technology. So i guess open source is important. Like Mitch Kapor said: "Without the Internet and the web, no open source - without open source, no Internet or Web."