What does "open source software" allow users to do?

Open source software is defined by its accessibility to the underlying source code, which is the human-readable set of instructions that make up the software. This allows users to modify or enhance the source code according to their needs or preferences. By having access to the source code, developers and users can improve functionality, fix bugs, or adapt the software for specific uses, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.

While other options suggest various benefits associated with software, they do not capture the core principle of open source software. For instance, purchasing software licenses at a discount does not align with the primary intention of open source philosophy, which emphasizes free access and modification. Additionally, access to precompiled software only limits user engagement with the software, contradicting the open source model that encourages modification. Lastly, while many open source licenses allow for a great deal of freedom, they can come with certain restrictions, like requiring attribution or adherence to similar licensing upon redistribution, which means it is not entirely unrestricted.