freedom

Lies, truths, misconceptions and hypocrits - a free desktop rant

by vlado on Tue, 2008-02-05 11:12

Ok, ok - it is a worn out subject. The free desktop (or as otherwise known open source software desktop) story is making rounds in the blogs and establishment news again. The arguments in the comments end up revolving around ether of the the following

If open source/linux were so much better why everyone is not using it?

Oh, it hurts. Excuse me for repeating - because ms windows comes installed on your computer and everyone "knows a guy" who can lend a copy of their favourite software. Or you could download it from a warez source. I could actually argue that software piracy is very good for Microsoft's coffers. Not so much for Adobe and friends. But I digress. Since you already have a working thing installed on your box, you would just use it. That is fair and square. Unless you are an enthusiast. But how many people just want to get on with it and how many want to tinker? How many proud shed owners do DYI in there and how many just escape from the missus? Sorry, I did it again. Have you tried to get a naked PC or laptop? Preinstalled desktop linux is a new feature on the mainstream market, so there isn't that much uptake yet, althogh the eeepc was selling like hot cakes around Christmas. Is it that misguided bedroom creatures thinking the girl comes with it? And your settop box under your plasma probably has a free software infestation on it. But hey, nobody is otherwise doing it. Right. Except on servers and geek desktops, and some commies in third world countries, and paranoid anti-american governments here and there.

Open IT projects petition

by vlado on Mon, 2007-01-22 15:34

Software written using public funds should have it's source code
published under a distribution licence that has been declared Free by the
Free Software Foundation, rather than remaining a closed secret.

This would allow for more of the public to benefit from the development of
the software since the code would be available for anyone to use and
improve. Furthermore, compatibility with other Free licences (such as the
GPL) would promote rapid development and reduced costs through the reuse
of existing code.

An open development model would also allow the public to be more informed
of the progress and quality of these projects, which so frequently seem to
end up severely over budget.

Open IT projects petition

It is a simple, common sense principle - public funds should fund public projects, which should remain public for the eternity. In my opinion it is a just cause. A free license or, if the creators/contractors wish so, public domain, a known practice in the USA, is the most logical, socially responsible demand a government can make.

Free Alaa

by vlado on Fri, 2006-05-12 08:22


Alaa - a blogger, an activist, a drupal contributor and more importantly just a man was jailed for being on a demo. Disgusting.

While that doesn't surprise me, things like that happen everywhere, not just in countries with regimes similar to Mubarak's, it still pisses me off.

I can't stand the response of the 'powers of the day' to bully you into submission, if you dare not to support them.

If you happen to be in London on 13/5 and fancy making noise in front of the Egyptian embassy just join the protest.

Oh, yes have you heard the carpet bombers for peace, here's the Egypt version?

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