Define “open source software” and provide an example.

Open source software is defined as software that allows users to access, modify, and distribute the source code freely. This philosophy promotes collaboration and transparency within the software development community, encouraging innovation and improvement of the software through shared contributions.

Linux exemplifies open source software because it is a free operating system whose source code is available for anyone to view and modify. This allows a wide range of users and developers to adapt Linux to their needs, contributing to its robustness and versatility across different platforms.

Other options misrepresent the nature of open source software. For example, stating that users can only view the code mischaracterizes the concept, as the core of open source is the ability to not only view but also modify and redistribute the code. The mention of proprietary formats and the inability to modify or share within other options contradicts the fundamental principles of open source, further highlighting the distinctiveness of the correct answer.