New page: Freedom in Computing Explained
Sun, 2006-07-30 15:59
I added the new page yesterday and would like to read any comments you would have on that.
It's a difficult job to address the theme of free computing directly, in a very readable format. I tried to make the following points:
- source code availability is important for everyone (including non-programmers)
- free / open source does not mean no privacy or security
- freedom is a broad and important issue.
Olivier.
To explain things clearly, let us imagine that the software we use (such as Windows® or Gnu/Linux) is like an immaterial car. Thus, users are like drivers, who choose, pay for, and drive their vehicle.
At the end of that paragraph, add this:
These cars are different from normal cars; they aren't restricted by the nature of material things.
Only one person is allowed to drive. You can't copy the immaterial car and let someone else enjoy it.
Change that to:
Although by nature it is possible to copy the car, you are not allowed to. With some cars, if you try to copy it, the copy will self-destruct.
I found two typos:
You pay the manufacturer for a right to use his software and he sets his conditions for use in a license;
Another link for the links section:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/FLOSS_Concept_Booklet
Thanks so much, a thing. These are very useful comments.
At the end of that paragraph, add this:
These cars are different from normal cars; they aren't restricted by the nature of material things.
Added and much needed!
[...]
Change that to:
Although by nature it is possible to copy the car, you are not allowed to. With some cars, if you try to copy it, the copy will self-destruct.
Also added, much better phrased.
[...] typos:
You pay the manufacturer for a right to use his software
I do not understand what you mean :strumpf:
Another link for the links section:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/FLOSS_Concept_Booklet
Ah! What a brilliant web page. I had been looking for exactly this for so much time! This is definitely a must-read for anyone not familiar with free software.
It now of course sits with the links.
Thanks again
Olivier.
You pay the manufacturer for a right to use his software
'His' is not politically correct, and you are paying for the right to run the compiled end product.Â
You pay the manufacturer for a right to use his software
'His' is not politically correct, and you are paying for the right to run the compiled end product.
I think he simply meant that I re-jumped inadvertently from the car analogy to the software world
corrected this now.
You pay the manufacturer for a right to run the car and he sets his conditions of use in a license,
You pay the manufacturer for a right to run the car and he sets his conditions of use in a license,
Should be "permission to drive".
Should be "permission to drive".
Thanks! I should pay more attention sometimes =)
Change done (sorry for lateness)
Olivier.