Open BSS - Open Source Unix at Open Source Unix

I really like using open source software (OSS). However, often times there are no binaries, precompiled installation programs or the executable program itself. Instead the sources, the files that contain the module files or the source codes, are provided with a few files called "make files". How do I use a "make [...]

How do the developers get paid if nobody buys the software, just get it free, and that too with source code? I can understand it about amateur software developers. But I recently heard that Sun is coming out with Open Source Unix this year. How will they profit from this? If not, how will they [...]

If there is a gap in the open source software world for a particular application/system, is it generally possible to find companies/public organisations to help fund the creation of that project if someone is willing to coordinate / manage the project? Does anyone have any examples of projects initiated in this way? I'm thinking of [...]

I'm talking about good applications or web-based software like CMSs - how do they make money if the item is free or open source… How do they stop people ripping them off or taking the project in the wrong direction? what license should I get to make the most out of something I hope to [...]

I am new to the tech industry (I am in the legal department) and am wondering from a practical standpoint why a software developer would develop open source software. Any thoughts?
It depends on the type of software and reason for its development.
The main reasons to make software open source as I see it are:
1) You [...]