Week 8 - Response To Content

What is the difference between free and open software?

Although both are really the same thing, ‘free software’ gives the impression that it is ``Software you can get for zero price.'' (1). This is why people started calling it “Open Source” instead. However, the name “Open source” has also given way to problems. Companies calling themselves ‘Open Source’ are using the name to gain more money for their proprietary add-ons by saying that part of the money made from their software will be donated to ‘open source’ materials. (1).

Why is free software important for all computer users?

What free/open software does is allow you to make your own changes to the software to meet your own requirements. This system is highly important for computer users because a lot of the high priced softwares give you un-altering systems that do not always suit the user. With free/open software, those who know how, have the ability to make changes and personalise the software to their own style, or for what they need to do. This is also cheaper because once a big brand needs to update, you have to go and pay all over again to get the newer version. Free software updates via its user, which makes it so important for many.

          

      (1)  Stallman, R, “‘Free software’ is better that ‘Open source’”, found at:
      http://www.cyberkuhinja.com/kitchenmedialab/download/activism/Whyfree.doc. viewed on 23/09/2011.