Open-source software has existed in some form or another since the early 1980s and is now used in almost every technology sector. Open-source tools and software are used in everything from TVs to ChatGPT, so the chances are high that you’ve already used it, even if you didn’t realize it. It powers web browsers, operating systems, apps, and games, and is often licensed so other developers can modify it. There are many reasons to use open-source software instead of proprietary programs, from feeling part of a community to keeping your data more secure.
The linked article lists the following reasons and expands on each of them a bit further:
- Giving new life to old hardware
- Get out of vendor locks and other annoyances
- Everyone being able to read your code makes for better security practices
- Lower upfront costs
- Your data is yours, and not sold to others
You’d think with all the above, open source would be the absolute go-to software, but it does lack any form of marketing and lobbying (apart from enterprise level open source).
I can also add, though, for corporates needing support there are many companies that can be paid to provide support (without lock-in). Additionally, as open standards are usually used, the data survives into the future and can still be accessed and used even with other software applications. Many open source apps are also fully cross-platform.
See https://www.xda-developers.com/5-reasons-you-should-try-using-open-source-software/