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Old 07-20-2013, 04:00 PM   #1
Treverend
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What is everyone's opinion about the Free Software Foundation?


Asking this question as someone new to Linux. I'm very much like the idea of freedom... but I also hear a lot of criticism also. I don't understand it all or really know who's on the right side of things. Thought I'd ask general Linux users about this topic.
 
Old 07-20-2013, 04:11 PM   #2
TroN-0074
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There is no right or wrong on that topic. I like the FSF but I also understand the difficulty on having a system with only opensource software. You would be very limited on what you can do or even on what you can use.

So just be open minded about all matters and embrace open source as well as close source I mean you can pick your favorite and that is all up to nobody but you.

Good luck to you
 
Old 07-20-2013, 05:12 PM   #3
Terminal_Meltdown
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+1

I like to be balance and use both free and non-free software on my linux system. If I can't play or use proprietary stuff on my linux OS it would be as dull as Richard Stallamn's own desktop who is a strong advoacate of free software usage.

Last edited by Terminal_Meltdown; 07-20-2013 at 05:14 PM.
 
Old 07-20-2013, 08:59 PM   #4
frankbell
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I think that the FSF is generally a good thing and provides a valuable service in promoting and protecting free software.

I don't try to live by their strictures, even as I admire their work.
 
Old 07-20-2013, 09:20 PM   #5
msxenix
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The free software organization has provided computer users a great amount of programs, including the GNU operating system. However, I think Richard Stallman is a little bit of an extremist. I think that the idea that all software becoming "free as in beer" is unrealistic.

That being said, I'm thankful for all the work by the FSF and generally view them in a positive light.
 
Old 07-20-2013, 10:04 PM   #6
frankbell
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Pokey at Hacker Public Radio had a great interview with Richard Stallman last year.

http://hackerpublicradio.org/eps.php?id=1116

He gave Stallman a chance to talk. I highly recommend giving it a listen.
 
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Old 07-20-2013, 11:11 PM   #7
Fred Caro
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Treverend,
there lies a can of worms or difference of opinion. For me, without Stallman, and cohorts, you would not have "Linux".
With "Linux" you have choice. Some would say Stallman is an extremist but his position is about more than just software, it's just awkward when powers control the means to learn/utilise tools that should be there as building blocks.
Open source code is fine but what are you allowed to do with it?
To your question, choose your level/methord of restriction, be it by microsoft or your knowledge.

Fred.
 
Old 07-20-2013, 11:50 PM   #8
jdkaye
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@Treverend (the OP) - You say,
Quote:
...but I also hear a lot of criticism also. I don't understand it all or really know who's on the right side of things.
It would be helpful to the discussion if you explain just what criticism you're talking about.
jdk
 
Old 07-21-2013, 01:44 AM   #9
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I love the idea; unfortunately, i think that it could never work successfully within a capitalist culture.
 
Old 07-21-2013, 07:36 AM   #10
Doug Huffman
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The antithesis of free software is the closely held software of the giants. Which came first?

I escaped M$ just a few months ago, and will not go back.

Now that security encryption has reached the public consciousness, which software source does one trust, open source and presumably free, or from M$/G00gle hegemony?
 
Old 07-21-2013, 07:44 AM   #11
eklavya
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This can't be a uninamous idea. Every one has his own view on this. This can be a topic of debate but i think yes a software should be free for all users.
You are not using software because you cant afford it, I think we should leave this idea for Real Estate.
 
Old 07-21-2013, 04:09 PM   #12
jefro
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I am all for commercial projects. Those companies have generally employed the people who wrote free stuff. Commercial projects tend to have a focus on providing the public with a product that is good and has some standard. It wouldn't help us to have 150 different standards of hardware and 300 different operating systems. Standards of hardware have flowed from commercial OS and app creation and revers.

Linux can be used in some instances but I don't believe that a common user could use all free software.

I am for people being paid. Linux as a hobby is OK for those that wish to donate. People deserve to be paid for their work and efforts in some way. Either in cold hard cash or the simple code lines with their name.

Last edited by jefro; 07-21-2013 at 04:10 PM.
 
Old 07-21-2013, 04:36 PM   #13
Smileydog
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There will always be custom applications.

People who want custom applications will always be willing to pay somebody to write them.

The C++ Visual Suite for Windows is one of the worst packages I've ever tried to use. With or without the manual, try to even compile and run the example programs.

Perhaps the people who taught where I studied Computer Science put together a particularly nice environment, I don't know. Back then, my choice for writing applications was Turbo Pascal, by Borland. I wrote research applications, in a University environment.

I have high hopes for Linux.
 
Old 07-21-2013, 05:33 PM   #14
ntubski
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Knightron View Post
I love the idea; unfortunately, i think that it could never work successfully within a capitalist culture.
There are capitalist arguments against copyright, eg: Against Intellectual Property.
 
Old 07-21-2013, 05:44 PM   #15
Treverend
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Knightron View Post
I love the idea; unfortunately, i think that it could never work successfully within a capitalist culture.
Not to derail the topic, but I think that you're thinking of corporatism which is what America has, not true free-market capitalism. I myself am an anarcho-capitalist/voluntaryist. In a true capitalist society IP and copyrights would not exist and corporations are entities protected by the government, not the market. Thanks for all the replies people. I just don't want to go that far... if I lived in the way Richard Stallman asks me to live then I don't think I could use Steam on Linux or use game consoles because in his eyes they would be bad because the hardware is closed and cannot be modified.
 
  


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