What is open source?

“In general, open source refers to any program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit. Open source software is usually developed as a public collaboration and made freely available.”
http://searchenterpriselinux.techtarget.com/definition/open-source

In the case of an open source operating system like Linux, any individual in this “public collaboration” can create software that can become part of the operating system or accessible to operating system from sanctioned repositories — depending on the distribution. This way the operating system is owned and/or controlled by a governing body (its creator, Linus Torvalds) while it grows organically with help of its user base.

On a personal level, I use Ubuntu — sponsored by Canonical Ltd., London, United Kingdom. I am much more comfortable using Linux than Windows. Therefore all I can say is root it.