Forum Name : Open Source or Free Software

[GNUrag]

Ah, i wanted to write a good reply but didn't have time on hand.. anyways..

Originally Posted by klinux

now its getting crazy lol . GNU u state that ones creativity limited with open source , but not with FREEDOM SOFTWARE (lets use this to distinguish it better) .

klinux see it closely... i am talking about FreeSoftware and OpenSource software in connection with their licensing agreements. OpenSource software , as per its technical defination, does not allow redistribution of modified copies. Restricting the redistribution of modified sources kills creativity. There's nothing to laugh about it.!

Originally Posted by klinux

But stallman started it all so that code could be and should be shared with others right ?? and based on open code , people can use their creative ideas and implement them ? so how do u say open source is hinderance to creativity ???

creativity and all that is okay.. But the OpenSource Defination per-se hinders creativity.

Originally Posted by klinux

. another thing . i think if ur sticking to a name stick to FREEDOM s/w or FREEDOM Ware , koz i think thats they msg ur trying to bring out right ?

That is one valid suggestion. Merely saying Free Software would make a average college student think about Proprietary FreeWares ... But remember, That is just one user group who use computers... There are dozens of other category of people who can and have been easily explained the difference between them.

Originally Posted by klinux

, plus who said linux is free in monetary terms ?????

I didn't... never...

Originally Posted by klinux

so unless the linux/gnu/open source guys themselves , kome with a better and more convenient method to spread the real meaning of linux , stick to the old name .

And keep the misinformation spreading....
IMHO, its better to start right now, than keep thinking about the right time to come.

Originally Posted by klinux

regarding open source being small portion of the pie , arent most important parts of linux / gnu open source ??? should we look at percentage of open source or the usefulness of open source ???

That's what i am saying... All Free Software is OpenSource... but all OpenSource software is not free software..

The software that comes with GPL/MIT/BSD/APL/SPL/ whatever public license is a Free Software... And its just a tiny group of software which is OpenSource with respect to its licensing...
One software that i remember is PINE .. PINE is an OpenSource software and you cannot redistribute the modified sources or binaries... I can hardly remember any other OpenSource software.

Originally Posted by tuxfan

If just by calling these softwares as Open Source it become more attractive and more people adopt it, ultimately the free software movement is the gainer. We can continue with educating the people later.

When will that later come? Better start right now than waiting for all the new comers to understand the difference..

[BONZI]

I prefer the way it is now. There were some good points made from both sides. The topic has been taken to extreme ends. But lets not make it complex. Out of 5000 ppl here for 4500 ppl 'Free software' means something that you will get without paying anything. Why should we confuse those ppl??? Let them spam at general discussion. . And ofcourse GNUrag from your part I'm sure you will have to spend lot more time cleaning the board For many windows still rulez. Let it rule them .


If you have any plan to change the name. Plz post a couple of threads [sticky] explaining what free software means. And this forum is not for the jacks of cracks [or crack jacks]

[klinux]

ok To Gnu , the couple of fires and all in favour of name change . Just define the opensource or free s/w or linux in terms of explaining to a child , even use animation , artwork or good analogies (not the free beer thing again ) and maybe , just maybe everyone could live peacefully instead of raking their heads on this subject . unfortunately linux and gpl and the whole bunch wasnt covered in my 12th comp sci nor in my MCA , so please , as u would a child , explain it clearly , so that we dont OFFEND others . Another thing , u MUST take the responsibility of a teacher too , as thats exactly what ur doing , teaching and enlightening others . Remember teachers always want the whole class to pass out and dont concentrate on a few . So whether u like it or not u are teachers and have a responsibility , so making us mugging and vomitting the gpl and other stuff by heart isnt good . giving the link to gpl and making us read it too isnt good . Plus hearing the plusses and minuses (if these are words ) of the WHOLE PACKAGE from u will be good . koz we expect u guys , unlike BIG corps , to be honest abt everything and not follow stuff blindly . So hope i made things clear . If u took the time to explain it once ,in laymans terms with examples and humour too . it would be the best and easiest way to get the message across . so going back and forth on a few points alone wont help , unless they are explained . i know u cant spoon feed each an every line , but a basic idea would be good start

[tuxfan]

Originally Posted by GNUrag

When will that later come? Better start right now than waiting for all the new comers to understand the difference..

That "later" will come when there is a mass adoption of the "free" software. As of now instead of burdening an average user (who just wants his work done and cares a hoot about these technicalities) just tempt him to use these softwares in place of propritory ones. That is one place where more energy and resources need to be spent.