[Only ubuntu Staff] What can we do with Open Source?

[enakta13]

First of all I would like to know the answer to my question from a Ubuntu Staff.
Now my Question:
What can we do with the Open source Software (like Ubuntu)?
This is what I know:
OSS, is that it is a software where the end user is provided with the source code, so that he can modify to make the software better(bug free).

The Argument:
Today our lecturer told us that Open Source Software doesn't give us(end user) the permission(license) to modify it. Talking about ubuntu, he said, we can develop a new OS from source kernel, but can't modify.

When I argue, that by the definition of Open Source we can always modify the Software. Say, I can replace the ubuntu logo with my custom logo, making it look like a new OS. We can add some application to it (video codec, VLC etc).

Please explain me who is right? Also what are all those licensing (GNU etc) means? I will appreciate if an Ubuntu staff answers me.

[oldos2er]

Moved to Community Cafe.

[Dave_L]

"Open source" has different definitions.
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html

A better term is "free software".

What is free software?
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

[enakta13]

Please explain elaborately, don't just post a link......
I am not talking about free software...... but open source

[Dave_L]

The articles I posted answer your questions.

[robtygart]

Since Ubuntu is a community project I will answer too...

I think this should answer your question.

From Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_license)

An open-source license is a copyright license for computer software that makes the source code available for everyone to use. This allows end users to review and modify the source code for their own customization and/or troubleshooting needs. Open-source licenses are also commonly free, allowing for modification, redistribution, and commercial use without having to pay the original author. Some open-source licenses only permit modification of the source code for personal use or only permit non-commercial redistribution. All such licenses usually have additional restrictions such as a requirement to preserve the name of the authors and a copyright statement within the code. One popular set of free open-source software licenses are those approved by the Open Source Initiative (OSI) based on their Open Source Definition (OSD).


"This allows end users to review and modify the source code for their own customization and/or troubleshooting needs."

"Open-source licenses are also commonly free, allowing for modification, redistribution, and commercial use without having to pay the original author."

http://www.ubuntu.com/legal

[enakta13]

If someone is asking u for direction then you won't tell him to buy a map.
The reason i posted the question here instead of googling is that, i want to hear from the ubuntu staff or atleast a learned open source user who won't ask me to read some articles but give me the answers directly who is right/wrong and where is he wrong.
HOPE u understand me Dave.

[sffvba[e0rt]

Closed for review.


404

[cariboo]

While we are happy to serve as a resource for hints and for asking questions when you get stuck and need a little help, the Ubuntu Forums is not a homework service. Please do not post your homework assignments expecting someone else to do it for you. Any such threads will be taken offline and warnings or infractions may be issued.

Seeing as the op doesn't seem to want to do the work himself, the above is copied and pasted from the forum Code of Conduct. This thread will remain closed.