Open Source software includes one or more implementations of Posix, X-Windows and the standard C library. These are the pillars on which our systems run. These did not originate in the open source community, but were later reimplemented by them and are now perhaps the most important implementations of those APIs.
So what is the problem with reimplementating Windows?
Maybe in a few years the standard Windows System will be based on wine. Just like today Linux is the most popular of all Posix implementations.
This points out the fact that when criminals (or potential criminals) can get their hands on source code they'll sift through it looking for exploits.
Of course they will. All the more reason to accept peer reviewers, as they do the same thing. Why should criminals have an advantage?
You're right, of course. But the minute you release the source code a whole lot of security flaws might (will?) be found. They will get fixed but in the meantime, there will be many very exposed systems.
I'm not saying open source isn't better or that under the closed source system those bugs will not be found. I'm just trying to point out that changing to an open source system is difficult and it may cause a lot of problems.
I cannot see how to do such a change without making one vulnerable to these type of problems which might cause a consumer backlash.
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So what is the problem with reimplementating Windows?
Maybe in a few years the standard Windows System will be based on wine. Just like today Linux is the most popular of all Posix implementations.
Luis
There is a lot of OOP in Unix.
Consider the type file descriptor. One abstract type with a couple of functions:
To create one use factory method like open or socket. This is very OO.
"Everything is a file" is one of the basics of Unix
Of course they will. All the more reason to accept peer reviewers, as they do the same thing. Why should criminals have an advantage?
You're right, of course. But the minute you release the source code a whole lot of security flaws might (will?) be found. They will get fixed but in the meantime, there will be many very exposed systems.
I'm not saying open source isn't better or that under the closed source system those bugs will not be found. I'm just trying to point out that changing to an open source system is difficult and it may cause a lot of problems.
I cannot see how to do such a change without making one vulnerable to these type of problems which might cause a consumer backlash.