Open-source software vs. closed source

We know a lot of open source software: Apache, Eclipse, FireFox, Java, MySQL, CVS and SVN.
Open source vs. closed source, which is better?


Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is available in source code form for which the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under a software license that permits users to study, change, and improve the software. Open source licenses meet the requirements of the Open Source Definition.

Open source and free software are somehow similar, but different in the basic idea:
Open source is a development methodology; free software is a social movement.

Research indicates that open-source software have a higher flaw discovery, quicker flaw discovery, and quicker turn around on patches.

Some people think open source software may damage the market of commercial software.
Many company executives could not believe in a product that did not participate economically in a free-market or mixed-market economy.

But open source software may fuel the market for a separate product or service, such as support and installation.