FOSS - Wats the fuss??

First of all FOSS stands for Free Open Source Software. This post represents my personal views about open source in general and things ive gathered from reading about and using open source software for the last two months.

There is a VERY important distinction i would like to make. Its between Free Software and Freeware. Actually the expression open source was coined to make this difference clear. Freeware is simply the word meaning, i.e software u get for free. When u download something like say an alarm software for free its free ware but its not free software or open source software.

The word "free" in free software is used in a whole different context. As the GNU website puts it "the 'free' in 'free software' is not like the 'free' in 'free beer'. Its like the 'free' in 'free speech'"(damn...all those quotes reminds of VB). Free as in free software stands for freedom. U can always buy or sell free software.

Quoting the Free Software Foundation's "What is Free Software", the freedoms at the core of free software are defined as:

• The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.

• The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.

• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others.

• The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that everyone benefits.

In the case of open source software along with the working binary u get the original source code of the software. You are free to study it, add features and release it under your name or even sell it. I think open source software contributes to the education sector in a really remarkable way. Plus u get to give something back to the society through which u gained something.

Ive been using linux for over two months. Its free in both contexts(as in freedom and as in free of cost). I would have to say i dont see any difference between linux and windows as far as ease of use and performance goes(xcpt for gaming maybe) and linux has the upper hand wen it comes to system security. I would like to make the fact clear that i havent started programming in linux or anything. Im just using for all those purposes i was using XP for and so far its been real gud.

The main factor hampering the acceptability of linux is india is the fact here as far as the novice home computer user is concerned windows is as free as linux thanks to the huge piracy levels. But im hoping that'll change as soon as Microsoft tightens security with vista.

May the source be with you ;)