Open Source or Free Software?

Hi everyone,

Since "Open Source vs. Free Software" is something that we have covered in class, I thought I should briefly touch it here!

Let's start with some definitions:

Open source software usually refers to "computer software that is available in source code form: the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under a free software license that permits users to study, change, improve and at times also to distribute the software." Open source software is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner.

According to this,

“Free software” means software that respects users' freedom and community. Roughly, the users have the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. With these freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control the program and what it does for them.

While these two concepts are quite similar, the latter emphasizes the "Freedom". The question is "which one do you prefer?"

Personally, I think Free Software is the way to go. It allows for broader range of modifications (more freedom!) to accomodate various real life issues. According to Stallman, The freedom that Free software provides is very much essential, not only for the individual users' sake, but for society as a whole because they promote sharing and cooperation. In a digitized world free software becomes increasingly essential for freedom in general.

To me, open source softwares always lack something; sometimes it is integrity that is absent, and other times it is their ever-changing property that just does not do it! Whatever it is, I rarely enjoy working with an open source software. I am quite sure I am not the only one that feels like this. Do a quick Google search and you will see how many people are actually tired of the Open Source concept.

I know this is short, but there is not much to talk about this issue. It is more of a philosophical issue than a scientific one! I really want to know what you think; leave me comment let me know!