Why I use free and open software
Posted by Ali Gangji | Filed under free software
This is by no means comprehensive, but I wanted to quickly outline my reasons for staying away from proprietary software and sticking to free and open source software. My reasons are both technical as well as ethical.
Proprietary software products are specialized consumer products. They employ a systemic division between user and developer. There is no such distiction with free and open software. The users are the developers, and the developers are the users. Consequently, proprietary software is very restrictive and uncontrollable.
A common manifestation of this division is closed source releases. This makes you more susceptible to bugs, and completely vulnerable to malware. It also devoids the product of educational value. On the contrary, open source software often benifits from public rigor to achieve superior stability, security and performance. This also leaves you free to modify the program to suit your needs.
Propreitary software licenses restrict you from sharing the software. I consider this unethical simply on the grounds of free speech. Software is simply information. You cannot convey to me a piece of information and still own it. These restrictions are also morally corruptive to society. Combined with closed source, this also prevents collaboration and learning.
Proprietary software also breeds dependence. They employ techniques such as using secret formats and conspire with eachother to keep you stuck with certain technologies. This is why formats like MP3 and DVD are in standard use. Not because they have any technological benefit, but because the proprietors have conspired to keep themselves getting paid. Open source developers are not motivated by money, they are motivated by the software. That’s what I want. I don’t want software designed to restrict me and make someone else money while also having some functionality. I want software that every ounce of was designed for functionality and freedom. Every ounce.
Most importantly, linux is just a kick ass operating system that is utterly unparalleled. It’s just amazing. I could not live without it!
Tags: ethics, freedom, open source
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So… it looks like these are all ads on here, but I really liked your opinion on this. Bryan has said a lot of the same stuff… makes a lot of sense!