Open source is a broad term that means publicly accessible. In a general sense, it could include lots of things like open source products, projects, websites, etc. But, in reality, open source refers to some different things.  Open source represents open source software (OSS) actually. Anyone can view, modify, and enhance OSS for individual and organizational purposes.

Below, we’ll discuss how open source software works, examples, and its pros and cons. Let’s start with what open-source software means.

What Is Open Source Software?

Open source software (OSS) is a special type of software that allows accessing its source code. Not only that, but you can also edit and develop the OSS. So, it differs from traditional proprietary software.

In closed proprietary software, the source code is kept secret and only the developers can access it. But OSS makes the source code accessible to any programmers. One important thing to mention here is that open source software can be either free or you may pay for it.

What Are Open Source Software Examples?

There are lots of open source software. It includes browsers, OS and utilities, programming, CMS, design software, etc.

Some of the common OSS are-

• Python
• Mozilla Firefox
• OpenOffice
• Linux/GNU
• jQuery
• Zimbra
• GIMP
• VNC
• Apache web server
• VLC media player
• Asterix
• SugarCRM
• LibreOffice

How Does An Open Source Software Development Model Work?

Usually, OSS works in a collaborative way where anyone from the developers’ community around the world can contribute. This makes the software more reliable, secure, and rich in features compared to proprietary software, due to the contributions of many expert programmers.

Developers or programmers around the world can contribute to the project of the OSS by doing changes to the source code, fixing bugs, and adding new features there. There is also a core group of maintainers who oversee the project as well as approve or decline if someone edits any code.

The source code of the OSS is available to the public, but there are some terms and conditions for using and modifying the software. Whoever agrees with the terms and conditions can get the license to use, modify, and enhance the software.

Open Source Software Licenses

There are many open source licenses available. Before using any OSS, you should know about its license to be sure it meets your standard or not. Open source initiative (OSI) listed numerous OSS licenses.

Some of the popular OSS licenses include-

• Apache License 2.0
• MIT License
• Mozilla Public License 2.0
• BSD License 2.0 (3-clause, new or revised)
• GNU General Public License (GPL) 2.0
• GNU General Public License (GPL) 3.0

Advantages Of Open Source Software

There are lots of advantages of open source software. Here are some of the key advantages of open-source software.

Free Or Low Cost

Most open source software is often free to use, modify, and distribute. So, individuals and organizations with limited budgets will find OSS handy to use without incurring high costs. But some software may ask you to pay a small amount of money.

Better Security And More Reliable

In general, OSS offers better security than proprietary software. As the source code is open thus developers around the world can edit and fix bugs there instantly. In this way, if there are any bugs or issues that are addressed and fixed quickly. It reduces the risk of malicious attacks profoundly and makes it more reliable.

Flexibility And Customization

As the source code is accessible to developers in OSS thus anyone can modify the software to meet their individual or organizational needs.

Increased Collaboration

The open source model encourages collaboration between developers around the world. So, anyone can contribute to the project and share their knowledge and expertise.

Effective Tool For Learning

OSS is a good tool for learners who want to become programmers. As they can discover programming languages and they work in real life. Moreover, they may practice and submit their work and get feedback from experts that help to improve their skills.

Disadvantages Of Open Source Software

Besides many advantages, OSS has some disadvantages too. Some of them are discussed below-

Lack Of Support

As open source software is developed by a community of volunteers, you might experience a lack of support if any issues arise or need assistance.

Compatibility issues

Sometimes OSS might be incompatible with proprietary software or other systems. This could be challenging for organizations or individuals that need to integrate multiple software solutions.

Complexity

As the source code is available, thus OSS seems more complex sometimes than proprietary software, especially for non-technical users.

Fragmentation

The community of the open source can be divided, with multiple competing projects working on similar software solutions. This will confuse the users and can be challenging for developers to coordinate their efforts.

Conclusion

Open source software brings revolutionary changes in the software industry due to the contributions of thousands of developers. OSS is beneficial both for developers and users and has led to the creation of some of the most widely used software products in the world.  There are also website platforms that use the concept of open source, such as WordPress, but the platform itself is a Contact Management System.

You may not be a website developer or have any knowledge of how to write source code, but it takes little expertise to be a content contributor. The same is true of Wikipedia.  It’s is an open source encyclopedia that anyone can add information to edit exisiting pages.

As the open source movement continues to grow, it is likely to play a vital role in the development of new and innovative software solutions.

It’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits as a teenager. Whether it’s hormones, managing new emotions, or something else teens navigate, finding anything to cope, whether healthy or not, is common. But guiding your teen toward a healthier, more productive lifestyle is one of your greatest responsibilities as a parent.

In this way they’ll able to healthily cope with whatever life throws at them.  Implementing a healthy home routine with your teen is a good first step.

A healthy home routine benefits your teen in various ways.   Let’s explore some of the most significant below.

The Benefits of a Daily Routine for Your Teen

Your teen needs a daily routine in their home life. Without one, they’ll miss out on developing key skills and traits that will help them flourish now and in adulthood. These skills include:

• Discipline
• Consistency
• Confidence
• Independence
• Self-care
• Responsibility

A daily routine also establishes a sense of security and comfort in the home. They know what they can expect at home. They can rely on opportunities to grow and care for themselves in a way they can’t outside the home.

Moreover, a home routine helps your teen live healthier. They’re on a regular sleep, exercise, and eating schedule that supports their mental and physical health. In addition, they do activities that restore them emotionally.

A healthy home routine is highly beneficial for your teen and mustn’t be overlooked.

Tips for Implementing a Healthy Home Routine With Your Teen

Getting a restless teen on the road to a healthier and more productive lifestyle is a significant challenge to take on. But these tips can help you implement a healthy home routine with your teen without it being overwhelming.

Involve them in the process

Your teen will be much more likely to adhere to a routine if they’re involved in creating it. Involve them in the process from the beginning.

Before you actually develop the routine, sit down with them and have a conversation about why you want to implement one. Help them see the benefits of a healthy home routine and reassure them it isn’t a punishment.

Once you’ve had this conversation, move forward with designing their routine. Ask them what they want to include in it. Compromise on the activities they aren’t crazy about. Attach times to each activity. And talk about how you’ll adjust their routine when needed.

Establish core morning practices

Your teen’s home routine must start in the morning. A good start to their day is imperative to ensuring the rest of it goes just as well. Establish core morning practices that will help prepare them for school or whatever they have planned for the day.

Core morning practices can include:

• Waking up and stretching
• Reciting affirmations
• Picking out an outfit to wear
• Eating a healthy breakfast
• Gathering what they need for the day
• Taking a shower and performing personal hygiene tasks

Anything else essential to a good start to the day — add it to your teen’s morning practices.

Add some responsibilities to their routine

It can’t be all fun and games in your teen’s home routine. Adding some responsibilities to it is a must if you want them to develop the skills and traits mentioned above.

Start with homework. Block off a couple of hours for homework and eliminate distractions during this time. Daily chores are also essential to include in their routine. You don’t have to load them up with a huge to-do list. Instead, choose a couple of chores that are challenging yet doable for your teen. Some examples include:

• Doing their laundry
• Picking up their room
• Taking the dog on its daily walk
• Taking out the garbage
• Doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen

Don’t shy away from adding responsibilities to your teen’s home routine.

Make sure they feed their souls

Yes, chores and homework are important. But so are activities that feed your teen’s soul. In other words, your teen’s routine should include activities they’re passionate about, that help them find their authentic self.

For example, your teen might enjoy gaming. Gaming is a great way to develop their cognitive ability, socialize, have fun, and unwind. Allocating some time to gaming in their home routine is a good idea. So long as it’s only some time.

It’s essential to help your teen establish healthy gamer habits if they want to incorporate gaming into their routines. This means setting a time limit for gaming, supervising their play, and understanding the signs of when gaming is becoming unhealthy.

Let your teen choose a few activities to include in their routine that they really enjoy. And make sure there are healthy boundaries around how they enjoy these activities.

Develop a night regimen

One of the most important parts of your teen’s home routine is what they do at night. It’s so important for them to get a good night’s sleep each night. Their body and mind have time to recover. A good night’s rest also sets the tone for the next day.

Include a bedtime regimen in your teen’s home routine. Create the best sleep environment in their room. Choose a concrete time for lights out. Make sure they brush their teeth and wash their face. Limit screen time well before bedtime. Finally, add a relaxing activity like reading or meditating to their night regimen.

Make sure your teen ends their routine with practices that help them achieve a good night’s sleep.

A healthy home routine for your teen is integral to their growth. Consider the tips above when creating one to ensure it’s as impactful as possible.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.

A research paper is an academic paper where scientists, scholars, and even students present their research on a specific topic. It compromises analyzing the results of experimental evidence with citations. This is one of the most powerful ways to share the knowledge of researchers around the world.

The research paper shows the expertise of the researcher that also helps other researchers in the future. So, have you wondered how to write a research paper successfully? Well, this article will give you an ultimate guide on writing a research paper step-by-step. Let’s reveal the hacks.

The Steps to Writing a Research Paper

1. Get familiar with the research paper
2. Choose a suitable topic
3. Do your research
4. Form a thesis statement
5. Construct an outline
6. Write the draft
7. Add proper citations and references
8. Revise it

After knowing the key steps of research paper writing, let’s discuss them in detail.

Step 1: Get Familiar With The Research Paper

The first thing you need to do it read several research papers that have been published by experts.  This will get you familiarized with the style and format of the research paper. This will help you get an overall idea about the contents of the research paper. The more you read, the deeper your idea will be.

While reading different research papers, note down the important things like formatting, spacing, font, length of a paragraph, rules to adding figures or charts, word limit, essential points to cover, citations, and so on. If you have any doubts, clarify them with your teacher or professor.

Step 2: Choose A Suitable Topic

After getting an overall idea about the research paper, now figure out a good topic that you will work with. To do it, consult with your professor and experts in the field you are interested to research in. You can either work on a new topic or improve any preexisting research.

The previously peer reviewed and published research papers are found in the-

• Central library of your college or university
• Google Scholar
• Online publications like Zotero, Academic journals, Scientific Research Publications, Science and Education Publishing, etc.
• Your professor’s recommended research papers

Study a lot to find out a unique topic in your field to research. Your instructor may help you to pick a trendy topic for your research. But try to reveal it on your own.

Step 3: Do Your Research

When you get a topic, start your research sincerely. Read several related research papers and inspect how the researchers did these. You may work in the lab or software to get more precise results from the research. Also, consult with the experts on this topic to get more precise answers. Clarify your doubts by asking yourself why, how, what, … etc, in every step for deep research.

You’ll find lots of resources on your topic but not all of them are reliable to use in the research paper. For example, Wikipedia is an open source resource for any topic, but you can’t accredit them in your research paper. Find out worthwhile sources before using any scientific formula or theory in your research.

Learned advanced search functions on Google also assist you in refining your search results to find specilized resources in your area paper’s area of focus.

After the preliminary research, if you find this topic good for you proceed with it otherwise choose a new topic that suits you. Note down all the important analyses, and calculations of your research.

Step 4: Form A Thesis Statement

After doing primary research, it’s time to make a thesis statement (introduction) that summarizes succinctly what you’ll cover in your research paper. This statement is important and helps you to make a good research paper. It also states how other researchers will get benefitted from your research.

If you can’t make a good statement starts with a question like ‘Does the internet bad for your children’ and then answer it. But don’t put any fluff words there. Sometimes arguable topic makes the thesis statement interesting.

When your teacher or instructor will say the thesis statement is okay then plan how to prepare the other sections of the research paper.

Step 5: Construct An Outline

When you’ve completed your research, now form a format for your research paper. The necessary sections of the research paper include-

• Title Page
• Abstract
• Acknowledgments
• Author Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Abbreviation/Keywords
• Introduction (Thesis Statement)
• Main Points of the Body (like Forming a Formula, Analysis, Calculation, etc.)
• Conclusion
• References

Each main points or headings include paragraphs, figures, charts, data, and so on.

Step 6: Write The Draft

Now start writing a draft copy of your research paper that you’ve gotten from your research. Keep in mind, you may need to write several drafts to finalize the copy. While writing the research paper describe all the points and avoid jargon and unnecessary things. Consider the right spacing, font, and style of writing the research paper after completing the writing. Include proper headings and subheadings so anyone can understand easily what you may discuss there.

It can also be invaluable to hire an editor to get an external perspective on your writing.  A professional editor proofreads your work to ensure that your arguments are clear and your presentation is polished.

Step 7: Add Proper Citations and References

After compiling the draft copy, add the necessary citations and references to the research paper from which sources you use the scientific formulas. While quoting any points or formulas, include the publication name, year of publication, research paper title, author, page number, etc.

Usually, an academic research paper has two formats for citing;

• APA (American Psychological Association)
• MLA (Modern Language Association)

Sometimes you may also follow other citing rules like AMA (American Medical Association), CMOS (The Chicago Manual of Style), and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).

Step 8: Finalize It

After completing a draft copy and editing accordingly, now recheck the entire writing several times.

• Review the format of the research paper. Make necessary corrections.
• Check the grammatical errors using Grammarly, or other similar tools.
• To make the copy unique and plagiarism free check it using plagiarism checker tools like Copyscape, Quetex, Smallseotools, or any other reliable tools.

To make the research paper better, take suggestions from your professor, mentor or peers so you can submit an original academic research paper. If they offer changes or suggestions to improve its quality, keep an open mind with the main goal being accuracy. There a many steps that go into writing a research paper, when you are confident everything is polished and okay, submit it for your instructor or peers for their review and approval.

Whether you’re sending sensitive work emails or having private conversations with friends and family, your data is vulnerable unless you take the necessary steps to protect yourself. In this article; we’ll show you how to reduce your risk of falling victim to a man-in-the-middle attack with some simple tips for safer communication.

We’ll also discuss what an MITM attack is; discuss cyber security basics; why it’s so dangerous and how you can detect if someone is trying to hack into your system.

So let’s get started.

What’s a Man-in-the-Middle Attack?

In a MitM attack, hackers obstruct communication between a user and the server. They attempt to eavesdrop or alter information without either knowing it has happened. This type of attack is possible because these online connections rely on trust, and attackers can almost seamlessly insert themselves in the connection.

It’s important for users to take essential steps to protect their data and communication from these attacks. There are easy ways for anyone to do this, which we will discuss later and stay secure.

How Does a Man-in-the-Middle Attack Work?

A MitM attack is a form of cyber attack that enables an attacker to obstruct communication between two parties and get access to confidential information. The attacker will act as an intermediary between two parties by secretly eavesdropping on the communication and altering it in order to get control.

The same concept applies when data is being transferred over the internet like an attacker can insert themselves in between two communication points, intercepting messages and manipulating them for their own interests. It’s important for web users to understand how these attacks work in order to take steps towards protecting their data from potential attackers.

What Are the Risks of a Man-in-the-Middle Attack?

When you fall victim to a man-in-the-middle attack, it’s not just your data that is potentially at risk. It’s also your online privacy. With the right amount of access, an attacker can hijack your accounts and view your messages or other sensitive information like banking details and passwords.

Data Breaches

If data is intercepted, a man-in-the-middle attack can lead to a data breach. This means the attacker can access personal information stored on the device.

Spoofing & Phishing

Man-in-the-middle attacks are also used for spoofing and phishing. Spoofing involves creating a bogus website with the same name as another one in order to trick users into entering their login details or other sensitive information. Phishing entail sending emails that seems to be from a legitimate company to trick users into giving away their personal details.

These attacks can have serious consequences if they are successful; victims suffer financial losses, and their identity can be stolen and used for malicious activities like credit card fraud, bank fraud or identity theft. That’s why protecting yourself and taking preventive measures against man-in-the-middle attacks is important.

How to Respond to a Man-in-the-Middle Attack?

When it comes to responding to a man-in-the-middle attack, you have several options. The key is to understand what’s happening so that you can take steps to protect yourself. Here are a few tips:

1.    Change Your Passwords

If you think your accounts may have been compromised, the first step is to change your passwords. Choose strong passwords comprising a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and symbols. Try not to use the same password for multiple accounts or devices.

2.    Use Encrypted Communication Platforms

When sending messages or speaking on the phone, it’s best to do so through encrypted messaging platforms or services such as Skype for Business and Signal. These systems will encrypt your data and make it harder for hackers to monitor your communications.

3.    Install Security Software

It’s also important to install security software on your devices and make sure it stays up-to-date with the latest security updates. Security software will allow you to detect suspicious activity on your network and alert you if someone attempts a man-in-the-middle attack against you.

Tips for Protection From Man in the Middle (MitM) Attacks

It is possible to protect yourself from Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, and there are some useful tips for doing so.

1.    Securing Your Network Environment

The first step to protecting yourself from MitM attacks is to make sure your network environment is secure. This means using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, only connecting to trusted networks and keeping up with regular security updates on all devices. Be extra cautious while connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

2.    Utilizing Encryption Protocols

Encryption protocols like HTTPS, SSL, and TLS ensure that all data being sent between you and a server is secure, making it hard for hackers to access this data. Be sure always to use a secure connection when sending data online.

3.    Monitoring Traffic Effectively

You can also monitor your traffic effectively by setting up an application firewall on your device or using a VPN service offering advanced traffic monitoring capabilities. This will help you keep tabs on any suspicious activity in the network and help identify potential attacks before they happen. Stay vigilant and use the safety tools available to make sure your data stays secure!

Common Signs of a Man in the Middle (MitM) Attack

Following are the most common signs of MitM attacks.

1.    Unexpected Messages or Requests

One of the first signs of a MitM attack is if you start seeing unexpected messages or requests that appear out of nowhere. Keep an eye out for strange notifications, pop-ups and warnings while surfing. Also, watch out for automated redirects and messages that can pop up during an online transaction.

2.    Unsecured Network Connections

Unsecured networks are especially vulnerable to MitM attacks, as people can easily get access to your data. When connected to public Wi-Fi, make sure you use secure VPN services and keep your software up-to-date so attackers won’t be able to exploit any bugs and get access to your paper trail.

3.    Advertisements for Suspicious Services

Advertisements for suspicious services can also be a sign of a MitM attack. These services might promise quick data transfer speeds but they might also offer malicious features like monitoring tools and keyloggers which can compromise your security and privacy. Always do your research before downloading third-party applications or connecting with unsecured networks and be sure you install the latest security updates right away!

What to Do if You Suspect You Are the Target of a MitM Attack?

If you believe your communication is being monitored, take these steps to protect yourself.

Use VPN

The first step is to check your connections and verify that they’re secure. If you’re using a public network, make sure that it is encrypted. You may also want to consider using a Virtual Private Network to establish a secure connection between your device on the internet and ensuring that data is confidential.

Install Antivirus Software

Another way to protect yourself is to install antivirus software on all of your devices. This will help detect malicious programs or activities that could be used for man-in-the-middle attacks, and alert you if any suspicious activities occur. It’s important to keep all of your software up-to-date as outdated versions are more vulnerable to attack.

Establish Secure Protocols

You should also consider implementing secure protocols or encryption standards in order to protect sensitive information from interception or compromise. These protocols can ensure that all communications between two parties remain confidential and authenticated, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks from successfully accessing data. You might want to consider using end-to-end encryption for confidential communications such as text messages and emails. This means that the message stays encrypted at both ends until it arrives at its destination securely.

Conclusion

In this digital age, we all need to take measures to protect ourselves from man-in-the-middle attacks. Doing so requires awareness of what is happening on the Internet and it also requires us to take proactive steps to better protect our information. By understanding these attacks and taking proper precautions, we can all make our communications safer and protect ourselves from potential malicious actors.