What is a disadvantage of using open source software?

The disadvantage of using open source software primarily lies in the potential lack of warranties and support. Unlike proprietary software, which often comes with customer support and guarantees, open source software is typically developed by a community of volunteers or independent contributors. As a result, there may be limited formal support, and users often rely on community forums or documentation for help.

If an issue arises or a user encounters a bug, they may not have access to a dedicated service team to resolve the matter promptly, which can lead to challenges in maintenance and reliability. Additionally, this lack of formal support can be particularly concerning for businesses or critical applications where timely assistance is paramount. This situation can result in users needing to invest more time and effort in troubleshooting issues compared to using commercially supported software.