This is the first article written for this site, and therefore I'm a little nervous.
�Well let's begin. The Free Software Foundation(Link) is one of the organizations, who are driving
the question of Free Software and Open Source. The other one is the Open Source Initiative(Link).
The two organizations have slightly different views on the concept. The Free Software Foundation,
which is driven by Richard Stallman, sees Free Software as somewhat a human right, while the Open Source
Initiative more looks to the practical advantages of the Open Source software.
Let's look into the advantages of Open Source and Free Software. Why should we develop
Open Source software?
�Well there is one big motive for developing Open Source software. It becomes better than
closed software(e.g. Microsoft Windows)! Look at Linux, it is more stable than Windows,
more adaptable, handles multi-tasking better etc. Why? Many users have formed the OS
according to their, and other's, needs. The reason they can do this is because Linux
is Open Source. While using closed software, you can't make bug fixes, can't add functions,
can't develop your programming skills by watching the source code. All these things are
available for Open Source users.
�Another useful thing is that bug patches, new functions etc. are spread by the speed
of light(slight exaduration) over the internet. Microsoft takes months(in a good case) to
fix bugs. With Open Source it's fixed, practically, as soon as it's discovered(if discovered
by a good programmer or acknowledged by someone with an internet connection).
�As said in the title this was an introduction text to the philosophy of Open Source, and
therefore I don't want to drain the subject, but let all you visitors write your opinion on
Open Source or Free Software.
David Larsson, founder of OSD
Back to The Philosophy of Open Source section