But cost is not the main factor. And because the source code is open, bugs can be fixed quickly and easily without having to wait for proprietary vendors to issue fixes on a schedule that suits them more than their customers. Businesses also value open source software because it allows groups of companies to collaborate on software problems and issues without being concerned about an anti-trust lawsuit. Linux programs can be installed on practically any machine including older, outdated computers and offer business owners a degree of flexibility they wouldn't find with other operating systems. It is developed and maintained by a large team of individuals.
Additional platforms are in various stages of development.
FreeBSD offers advanced networking, performance, security and compatibility features today which are still missing in other operating systems, even some of the best commercial ones. FreeBSD makes an ideal Internet or Intranet server. It provides robust network services, even under the heaviest of loads, and uses memory efficiently to maintain good response times for hundreds, or even thousands, of simultaneous user processes. It is well-suited for a great number of both desktop and server applications. While you might expect an operating system with these features to sell for a high price, FreeBSD is available free of charge and comes with full source code.