GNU General Public License (GPL)

Linux is commonly referred to as a free OS. To understand why or how Linux is a free operating system, you need to familiarize yourself with the GNU's Not UNIX (GNU) software movement of the 1980s through the 1990s. The GNU Project was developed in 1983 by Richard Stallman. It was based on the idea that the source code for computer applications and operating systems should be available freely to anyone who wants it. The GNU project slowly took off. Influenced by this idea, Linus Torvalds released the source code of his Linux OS under the GNU General Public License (GPL).

Instructions

After reviewing Chapter 1, The Linux Operating System, of the textbook, read the following scenario and provide a detailed explanation:

You are working for a small business organization (JAM LLC), and the JAM LLC leadership is considering upgrading the organization's business server application. The leadership asks you about the different software licensing options and the associated cost. Finally, the accounting department asks you about the possible costs associated with using an open source license software solution.

For your initial post, answer the following:

Explain the different software licensing options and the associated cost.

Explain the possible costs associated with using an open source license software solution.