What is Open source?

In a word, open source is collaboration. More specifically, it's public collaboration on a software project. According to the Open Source Initiative(OSI), it can be defined this way: "Open source promotes software reliability and quality by supporting independent peer review and rapid evolution of source code. To be OSI certified, the software must be distributed under a license that guarantees the right to read, redistribute, modify, and use the software freely."

Why is Open source technology important?

The initial attraction that most computer users have to open source software is the price. Open source programs are often given away by the author. However, zero out-of-pocket cost is not an intrinsic quality of open source software.

There is a pragmatic and philosophical argument favoring open source development: Open source programs allow a developer to look at the code, see if it can be improved, and use it in a program of their own. Contributors from around the world can contribute and offer translations, documentation, bug reports, and help in other forms. A free exchange of ideas speeds innovation.

What is LAMP?

LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP. However, depending on who you talk to, the P can stand for Perl or Python. In general, "P" is assumed to be PHP. LAMP has a bigger meaning, too. LAMP represents a non-proprietary, flexible way to create a server-based application. Each of the programs making up the term can be replaced with an alternative that best suits the needs of the application. Each component can be upgraded independently, although this is usually done with care and planning. Best of all, each program in LAMP is free, or almost free in both meanings of the word.