Open Source vs. Closed Source Software: The Great Debate

Open Source vs. Closed Source Software: The Great Debate
by: Jefferson Daniel

1) Open Source Software

Open source software can be defined as software distributed under a licensing agreement which allows the source code (computer code) to be shared, viewed and modified by other users and organisations.

Cost

Open source software is free. This is a huge draw card, and if your in-house capabilities are such that you are able to implement, train and support at little cost to your organization it may be an attractive option. Having said that, open source software requires a certain level of technical expertise in order to manage content. It is therefore important to take into consideration the costs incurred once the software is obtained may be substantial unless the resources are already in place to manage it. Long term costs include the cost of implementation, innovation, the opportunity cost incurred battling with service/support issues, and the costs associated with investment in infrastructure due to a general inability to scale (assuming the organisation will grow and develop and will therefore have evolving requirements). Notably, open source software providers are increasingly charging for add- ons, additional services and integration. The total cost of ownership for open source software may roughly equal some closed source options as a result.

Service and Support

Service is one of the key issues regarding open source software. Open source software relies on its online community network to deliver support via forums and blogs. While there are massive, loyal and engaged online communities that users can turn to, time-poor consumers of today are familiar with the immediate service and support that enables issues to be resolved in a timely manner, and these communities cannot guarantee the high level of responsive service and support proprietary software can offer.

Innovation

Open source software enables innovation by providing users with the freedom and flexibility to adapt the software to suit, without restriction. However, innovation may or may not be passed on to all users of the software. It is a user’s prerogative whether they wish to share their innovation with any online communities, and users must be actively participating in these communities to become aware of such innovations. It has been debated whether customized changes to the original source code limit the future support and growth of the software, as these can potentially result in a limited ability to apply future updates, fixes or modules aimed at improving the software, leaving the user with a version that may have irresolvable issues. It is relevant to note that open source software providers generally struggle to attract large scale R&D.

Usability

Open source software has been highly criticized for its lack of usability, as generally, the technology is not reviewed by usability experts and does not cater to the vast majority of computer users. Open source software is generally developer-centric, and without system administration experience or the knowledge required to manipulate programming language, use of the software and ability to fix errors as they arise is often limited to those with technical expertise. Furthermore, open source software does not legally require documentation such as user manuals or guides, hindering the creation of such tools. When documentation is provided, it is often general, containing implicit jargon, inhibiting learning. Without adequate documentation users must rely on alternative means such as online communities, assuming they are capable of finding them and the problem is one others have encountered or are willing to help resolve.

Security

Open source software is often viewed as having security issues. New data from Forrester Research has shown that 58% of IT Executives and technology decision makers in large companies are concerned about the security of open source software. Open source software is not necessarily developed in a controlled environment. While big players often have a concentrated development team, oftentimes the software is being developed by individuals all over the world who may not work on the software for the duration of its developing lifetime. This lack of continuity and common direction can lead to barriers to effective communication surrounding the software. Furthermore, open source software is not always peer reviewed or validated for use. While users are free to examine and verify source code, the level of expertise required means that it is entirely possible for a programmer to embed back door Trojans to capture private and confidential information without the user ever knowing. Adopting a reputable brand with a concentrated development team supported by a strong online community will reduce the potential risk.

2) Closed Source Software

Closed source software can be defined as proprietary software distributed under a licensing agreement to authorized users with private modification, copying and republishing restrictions.

Cost

The cost of proprietary software will vary from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the system required. This cost is made up of a base fee for software, integration and services and annual licensin g/support fees. This cost may be prohibitive for some; however what the user is paying for is a more customized product from a trusted brand that includes higher levels of security and functionality, continuous innovation, a greater ability to scale, ongoing training and support and a lower requirement for technical skills. In order to support these elements and maintain high availability websites, a mechanism must be in place to recoup the costs. As mentioned previously, increasingly open source software providers are also charging for add-ons, additional services, and integration, reducing the gap in cost between the two options.

Service and Support

If the internet is an important channel for an organisation, software is often a secondary concern, with service level and support structure requirements taking precedent in favour of maximising uptime and minimising downtime. Service is probably the greatest advantage of using proprietary software. Proprietary software providers offer ongoing support to users, a key selling point for users without technical expertise. If the user manual or guide is not enough, or if a user experiences a problem with the software, there is an immediate point of call to turn to for assistance. There is a certain reduction in the risk undertaken with proprietary software because users are working with companies that are viable, and people with intimate knowledge of the products and services being used should any questions arise. Because service is one of the main reasons users choose proprietary over open source software, many proprietary software providers compete on service, increasing the b argaining power of buyers and thereby increasing customer service levels among providers.

Innovation

Proprietary software providers do not allow users to view or alter the source code. While this may be viewed as a disadvantage to some, it ensures the security and reliability of the software. Furthermore, many proprietary software providers customize software for specific users to provide more flexibility while investing in R&D in order to regularly offer new products and upgrades. Moreover, proprietary software providers have online user communities that create value by sharing ideas, strategies and best practices through feedback mechanisms such as forums and surveys, which also foster innovation and allow the product to adapt with changing needs. This innovation comes fully tested, and is available to all users of the software. It does not require investment in R&D or the technical understanding of source code, and assistance with implementation is generally part of the package. Because vendors must ensure their software does not become redundant, users also benefit from the type of targeted innovation undertaken- continuous investment in R&D rather than “innovation for innovation’s sake”, business focused rather than technology focused.

Usability

Proprietary software generally employs expert usability testing, and as the software is normally aimed at a more targeted audience, and therefore more tailored, usability is generally ranked quite high. In addition, detailed user manuals and guides are provided. This enables faster training and provides an immediate reference, allowing users to move along the learning curve more quickly. Supporting services include seminars, targeted training courses and extensive support to help maximise use of the software. It is also important to note that while many people see proprietary software as “closed”, today’s proprietary software offers a vast array of mechanisms for enhancement by third party systems and developers.

Security

Proprietary software is viewed as more secure because it is developed in a controlled environment by a concentrated team with a common direction. Moreover, the source code may be viewed and edited by this team alone, and is heavily audited, eliminating the risk of back door Trojans and reducing the risk of any bugs or issues with the software.

PhotoShop Can Be Easy to Learn - Start Today

PhotoShop Can Be Easy to Learn - Start Today

by: Jeyanth Watson

If you are a beginner at digital photography and want to learn how to manipulate your images, I recommend you learn PhotoShop. Now, there are plenty of inexpensive PhotoShop clone programs available for download, but that's not what you should be learning. If you are serious about digital photography on any level, you should be learning PhotoShop.

It is the industry standard and one of the most powerful images editing applications known to the industry. Aside from just editing digital photos, PhotoShop can be used to create logos, design affiliate websites, design ebook covers, and design CD covers, convert photos into paintings and much more. If you are not sure about spending $800 on PhotoShop, keep reading this article; you might change your mind.

Back in December of 1982, Adobe Systems Inc. was founded, but probably had no idea of how quickly PhotoShop would become such a popular application. Finally in 1989 when Adobe PhotoShop was launched on the Macintosh, the beginning of a whole new generation of photography was born. PhotoShop has come a long way since version 1.0, and is still being developed and improved every year. It seems that when PhotoShop has reached its perfection, yet another version is released.

Some of the world's best photographers and digital artists use PhotoShop for every masterpiece they create. Some artists have used PhotoShop to make a living, creating stunning pieces of art and selling them for thousands of dollars. Now, you don't have to be an artistic genius to make money with PhotoShop. The good news is, you can use PhotoShop for some of the most basic digital edits and still generate money. It's just a matter of being creative. If you are a Photographer like me, it is essential to use PhotoShop.

Without PhotoShop, you'd never be able to fix an imperfect smile, or correct bad lighting, or swap out heads in a photo. (My favorite thing). Seriously, you can do that! Once I was shooting some infant photos and I had shot several dozen photos of infant twins. I could never get both of them to look perfect at the same moment, so I just got their best expressions from all the photos I shot and then merged them into one photo to make the perfect shot.

Adobe has drastically improved the features and usability in PhotoShop over the years, but for a complete beginner, it can seem overwhelming. So how do you learn PhotoShop? Well, there are dozens of ways to tackle the application, but there is only one way to truly learn anything. Patience and time are the two key elements. Unfortunately, there is no magic method to learning PhotoShop, so it will take time. You can't just plug information into your brain; it's not that simple.

To really learn PhotoShop, you need a step-by-step video PhotoShop Tutorials that will help you every step of the way. Similar to learning in a classroom environment, you'll need an instructor to walk you through the most essential features. Without knowing the most essential features, it's like walking through the dessert with no water and no shelter. You will be lost and completely hopeless. After some time, you will probably give up and quit. PhotoShop is not hard to learn, but you will need instruction and video seems to be the method of choice when it comes to learning PhotoShop.

The main thing to realize is that you CAN learn PhotoShop. It is not so difficult once you learn the basics. Without the basics, you'll be searching the Internet forever trying to find the perfect PhotoShop Tutorials . Youtube and the video sharing sites are loaded with PhotoShop tutorials. Yes, I agree, there are some fabulous tutorials out there, but they are just tidbits of information.

You can watch tutorials all day long and learn small bits of PhotoShop, but you'll still be frustrated at the end of the day because you still don't know where half of the tools and functions are. Doing tutorials are great for experienced users or others who just want to freshen up their skills. To become a PhotoShop Master, you must first learn the basics; such as the menus, tools, layer styles, layer adjustments, filters, adobe bridge and more. Without the basic understanding, you'll only continue to get frustrated. Once you learn everything you need to know about the basics, then you can start watching freer video tutorials. This will help you expand your ability to apply amazing effects and begin to compete with the Pros.

As mentioned previously Digital Photography Pros use PhotoShop, as well as many other programs, but PhotoShop is always the program of choice. If you want to make money with your photos, design beautiful websites and graphics, or create stunning artwork, PhotoShop should be your #1 program of choice.

With patience and good step-by-step instruction, you will learn the application quickly. If you are interested in learning PhotoShop, we recommend you start with a PhotoShop CS3 Tutorial.

2010 Hairstyles Trends

2010 Hairstyles Trends

t is a well known fact that hairstyles trends change every year due to the development of new and improved hair styling techniques, products as well as hair styling tools. The 2010 hairstyles trends are adapting themselves to the fashion trends as hairstyles and fashion go hand in hand, to improve physical appearance and style.

In 2010 the new trends look absolutely fabulous and diverse as diversity is beneficial, allowing people to avoid entering a routine when it comes to fashion as well as hairstyles. Hairstyles have always posed a great importance as they have the ability to enhance natural beauty and style. Along time a variety of hairstyles have been developed, hairstyles which come and go out of style, as tendencies change. vintage as well as retro hairstyles come back into style as the new hair styling techniques help recreate them to suit the modern times of the present. New hairstyles are also developed as talented hairstylists manage to be creative and modern with their creations.

To help you look fabulous in 2010 try to experiment with the following hairstyles trends as they are the most popular hairstyles of the moment:

Loose curly hairstyles

Loose curls seem to be extremely popular this year as the glamorous and elegant aspect created with ease is difficult to top. Simple yet gorgeous, loose curly hairstyles with a little bit of vintage influence attract more and more fans and it's no surprise why. The curls can be created with hair rollers, curling irons or flat irons depending on the desired effect and possibility. Perfect for casual as well as formal occasions, loose curly hairstyles will make you stand out and look adorably feminine and stylish. Choose this type of hairstyle for long and medium hairstyles as hair length is necessary to create the curls. If you are blessed with gorgeous natural curly hair use curl enhancers to give your curls more definition.

Bun hairstyles

Sleek bun hairstyles are making a huge comeback and they are perfect hairstyles for every occasion whether casual or formal. Simple ballerina bun style or sophisticated bun hairstyles featuring elegant designs are in high demand as women have yet again discovered the benefits of this lovely hairstyle which reveals beautifully the facial features creating an extremely feminine look. This type of hairstyle can be created on medium as well as long hairstyles. In case of need temporary hair extensions can be added to create more sophisticated designs perfect for different occasions.

Braided hairstyles

Braided hairstyles are making a comeback due to their lovely simplistic yet elegant look. Perfect for different occasions, formal as well as casual, braided hairstyles can help you achieve a gorgeous look in minutes and with a minimum amount of effort. There are a variety of hair braiding techniques which are meant to offer you a variety of options when it comes to styling your hair. Braided hairstyles look their best on women with long hair as the hairstyle receives a powerful amount of attraction.

Loose updo hairstyles

Perfect for more formal occasions loose updo hairstyles look absolutely fabulous and elegant. The loose look of the hairstyle states you are not trying to much, leaving your natural beauty to speak for itself. Easy to style and wear, loose updo hairstyles can be the perfect solutions for those special occasions where you don't want too look like you tried to hard to look fabulous yet you do.

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by BecomeGorgeous

Beautyhill can offer you solutions to different questions like hairstyling and hair care so visit us at http://hair.beautyhill.com/

Internationally Recognized Designer & Mass Salon Owner Edward Blum

Internationally Recognized Designer & Mass Salon Owner Edward Blum
By: Steve Dubin

BOSTON AND EASTON, MA...Massachusetts salon owner and internationally recognized

style and color expert, Edward Blum just returned from serving on the Wella team for

celebrity designer Donna Karan as they introduced the DKNY Fall 2010 collection during

Fashion Week.

Blum, who was part of the Wella team headed by lead colorist Eva Scrivo, was a

colorist/stylist for the DKNY models. Blum is co-owner of the prestigious Makeovers

Salon & Spa, a state-of-the-art facility located in Easton with a staff of 80. Known for his

artistry and technical knowledge, Blum has been a hair stylist for 31 years and a salon

owner for more than 21 years. Makeovers Salon & Spa is his fourth salon and one of the

largest salons and spas in Massachusetts.

"It was such a privilege to work with Wella and the very talented Eva at this tremendous

event," noted Blum.

Blum shared tips of what's hot for fall, "Hair color will be sporty and natural looking with

glosses and glazes leading the way. Nails will be natural looking and gel nails and gel

polishes will be hot. Body care will be organic and very moisturizing."

According to Blum, "We're really going to see a turn towards the natural and organic this

fall and it will be reflected in hair style, make-up and spa treatments."

Blum has worked alongside a number of greats over the years including Vidal Sassoon,

Jon Louis David and Jaque Dessange. He trained with Alexandre de Paris and also

served as the International Spokesperson and Market Leader for Wella Corporation for 15

years, providing hair design and styling for major hair shows in the U.S. and Europe.

He is a contributing writer to many professional beauty publications including Modern

Salon Magazine, American Salon Magazine and Salon Today Magazine. No stranger to

the stars, Blum has been the stylist for "One Life to Live" soap opera's Christian Alfonso

and Judge Maria Lopez of the "Maria Lopez Show" as well as for Buena Vista Studios-

Disney, New England Today, Boston Channel 5 and Channel 4. He has won numerous

awards and worked on many other stage, hair and fashion award shows over the last

three decades.

On the local level, Blum holds the Northeast Cutting and Styling Championship title and

his salon has been honored 15 times with First Place Reader's Choice Award in all

beauty categories. Additionally, he frequently serves as a consultant to many

cosmetology schools in New England.

About Makeovers Salon & Spa

Makeovers Salon & Spa is owned by the internationally recognized, award-winning

designers Edward and Norah Blum. As one of the largest salon and spa in

Massachusetts, Makeovers Salon & Spa is a 13,200 square foot "paradise" with 26 styling

stations, nine large treatment rooms and a staff of more than 80 providing hair styling and

coloring; nail and spa services. Makeovers Salon & Spa has been honored 15 times with

"First Place Reader's Choice Award" in all beauty categories.

Every member of Makeovers Salon & Spa hair design team undergoes an intensive two

years of training at the salon. The majority of the salon's design professionals have been

with the company for at least 15 years. Makeovers Salon & Spa designers travel to New

York for training in the latest color and cutting techniques each Spring and the salon

frequently hosts renowned international guest trainers. Services offered at the Day Spa

include facials, laser treatments, massage, manicures/pedicures, wraps, body

treatments, waxing, reflexology and aromatherapy. Makeovers offers a range of Day Spa

packages including special Day of Beauty, Bridal, Groom's, Couples and Men's

packages, as well as the ability to host private parties from 4 to 40. Their line of high

quality products include G.M. Collin and Glymed Spa products and Wella, Sebastian,

Rene Furtier, Alterna and Icon hair care products.

Salon owner Ed Blum has been the stylist for "One Life to Live" soap opera's Christian

Alfonso and Judge Maria Lopez of the "Maria Lopez Show", Susan Wornick and Natalie

Jacobson of Channel 5 Boston and numerous others. Most recently, Makeovers Salon &

Spa was the set for the Disney pilot, "Postcards from Heaven" with medium Maureen

Hancock and casting calls with ‘The Rock'.

Makeovers Salon & Spa is located at 574 Washington Street in Easton, MA. For more

information, visit the website at www.makeoverssalon.com or contact (508) 238-1211.

Cure for Skin Rashes and Itching

Cure for Skin Rashes and Itching

Common rashes are often called dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin; they involve changes in the color or texture of the skin including skin redness or inflammation. Common rashes are also known as skin lesions, Rubor and Erythema.

Skin reactions are more common today due to many new fabrics in use. Some of the body rashes affect the whole body (termed as a generalized), where as others appear on discrete areas of the skin. Skin rashes can be self limiting or require medications. Babies

often develop skin rashes because of irritation from the coloring materials in these fabrics. Skin or the body rash is a common term that describes a group of special spots, an area of inflammation or altered color or texture of the skin. Skin rashes might be associated with various other symptoms such as itching, tingling, burning, pain, inflammation and sometimes, surprisingly with no discomfort at all. Belladonna remedy is useful for conditions with sudden onset that are hot, bright red, and throbbing. Rash may be accompanied by fever.

Oatmeal bath is preferred

Applying olive oil to the rash could provide some relief.

Aloe Vera gel, cod liver oil and Vitamin E oil are also helpful in combating body rash.

Using baking powder on the affected area is another suggestion to deal with body and back rash.

Aloe Vera: Widely known for treating burns and sunburns, aloe vera also helps in healing wounds and minor skin irritations such as itchiness and rashes. This plant produces anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties. It also contains folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.
Chamomile Essential Oil: Has anti inflammatory (anti-microbial) properties that soothes and eliminates an itchy skin rash and irritations. Chamomile is also used in treating eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. Please be aware, people who are normally allergic to grass and ragweed may acquire an allergic reaction to chamomile.

Witch hazel: Acts as an astringent that relieves itching and minor skin inflammation. Also used for treating sunburns. For maximum benefit, use fresh witch hazel bark. Simmer one ounce of the bark with one pint of water and leave for ten minutes. Strain and cool. Apply with a clean cloth and leave it on for about thirty minutes.

There are natural alternatives to cortisone cream treatment for rashes. For example Eczema is often treated with cortisone cream to combat the itching. There is, unfortunately, no known cure for Eczema, but natural medicines can help reduce the symptoms of Eczema without the harmful side effects associated with cortisones and other pharmaceutical medications.

There are many treatment of skin Rashes. Cortisone is often used to decrease local inflammation, swelling, burning and itching often associated with common rashes. Many natural remedy creams that provide instant and long-term relief rashes. The best home remedy for body rashes is to apply olive oil on the rash affected area. Belladonna remedy is useful for conditions with sudden onset that are hot, bright red, and throbbing. Rash may be accompanied by fever. Ledum palustre remedy is indicated for a puffy and swollen rash. Both the swelling and the itching are relieved by cold applications.

Itch relief is important, because scratching can itself irritate the skin and lead to more itching, creating an itching-scratching-itching cycle. Fingernails should be kept short to minimize abrasions from scratching. Applying eucalyptus oil on the skin can be helpful or take a cotton ball or Q-Tip and apply Tea Tree Oil full strength to area that is itching.