easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Is a characteristic of open-source software? Practice Question
Which of the following is a characteristic of open-source software?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse 'free of charge' with 'open-source,' but open-source is about freedom to modify the source code, not necessarily zero cost, and some open-source software may have paid support or enterprise versions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The source code is available for modification.
Open-source software is defined by its license, which grants users the right to view, modify, and distribute the source code. This characteristic is the core principle of open-source, as codified by the Open Source Initiative (OSI). The ability to modify the source code allows for customization, auditing, and community-driven improvements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The source code is available for modification.
Why this is correct
Open-source software publishes its human-readable source code under a licence permitting inspection, modification and redistribution, so the availability for modification is inherent to the definition. This satisfies the stem's request for a defining characteristic, distinguishing it from proprietary software, whose compiled binaries cannot legally be altered or redistributed by users.
- ✗
Users must pay for a license.
Why it's wrong here
Open-source software is often free, though some distributions may charge for support.
- ✗
It requires a subscription.
Why it's wrong here
Open-source licences grant perpetual rights without recurring payment, so a subscription requirement contradicts their terms. It tempts because subscription models are common for proprietary and SaaS products, and vendors may sell optional support contracts, but the underlying open-source licence itself needs no subscription.
- ✗
It can only be used on one device.
Why it's wrong here
Open-source licences permit installation on any number of devices, so a single-device restriction contradicts the freedom to use the software for any purpose. It tempts because proprietary per-seat or per-device licensing does limit installations, but that model describes commercial software, not open-source terms.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.