How Open Can you Go?

Open Source is software available to be freely used and improved. The code/ script is open for anyone to play around with. Most people have encountered the term open source at some point while investigating freeware.

Do you know about Open Content? In this case the content (text, image, audio) can be used and modified by anyone. Now how about Open Formats?

Tonight I stumbled into Open Formats. I had to read their FAQ to understand what an open format was. From what I understand a format is a type of computer file, such as: html, jpeg, gif, png, pdf, etc. An open format is about having all file types available, without requiring specific software to open and read those files. Confused?

I’ve copied a section from the site which gives four reasons for using open formats. This may also help to understand what it’s all about. I’m all for #1 and #4. I admit I don’t understand #2. I can see it preventing the spread of worms and viruses (#4). If your virus checker knew any file/ format which was not the standard was a virus it could very easily keep your computer clean and secure. Though I’m sure there are ways to get around that. Still, I really do like the idea of keeping file formats simple and accessible.

Using open formats in data exchange and publication means:

1. Granting accessibility and perennity to your data: both you and the users of your data will always be able to read and access them.
2. Granting a complete transparency to the content of your files.
3. Limiting the propagation of viruses: adopting open formats drastically helps reducing the risk of contamination.
4. Promoting diversity and interoperability in the domain of electronic communication.