I'm a total newbie here, and I apologize if this is a misplaced post.

First, I'm not a programmer and don't have a computer science background (but I'm learning all I can, I've been a Linux user for about a year now). I'm taking a class in software development and project management processes so I can learn more.

I need to compare and contrast open source software development processes with closed source software development. I know there is a lot out there to weed through on this, but I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction on this subject since I don't have a background in this area?

Thank you so very much!

There is no right direction for what you're pursuing.

Any software development methodology can be used to create open source software.

Any software development methodology can be used to create closed source software.

Thanks! That is helpful. What I'm wondering is ... does the open source community prefer one management method over another (RUP, CMM, Agile, XP, etc.) Or does it differ from project to project, depending on specific needs and requirements?

"The open source community"? Are you sure such a thing exists?

The answer, of course, is that it differs from project to project, depending on specific needs and requirements, with those needs often being determined by the composition of the team.

You may want to read these
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ca...and_the_Bazaar
http://www.catb.org/esr/writings/hom...hedral-bazaar/

Often it's mismanagement rather than management method.