Free Software Linux

Linux (or Gnu/Linux, as RMS would have me say) is Free Software. That is to say, the Gnu tools, the Linux Kernel, and most of the rest of the software, is licensed under the GPL (the Gnu General Public License, sometimes called a copyleft), which is considered a "Free" license. (Technically, a given copy of the Linux kernel may not be entirely Free, as it may contain some proprietary binary "blobs" to aid in wireless network connectivity and certain video card drivers.) Indeed, several totally "Free" distros exist,and several popular distros also provide Free versions. But what is Free Software? I could just point you to the Gnu Free Software Definition, but I will summarize a little, here. Free software is software that you have the source code to, that you can run, just like any program, you can study how it works, you can redistribute it, and you can modify it, and redistribute that to the benefit of the entire community. Free Software is about Freedom. It is a matter of liberty, not price. How about Open Source? It's the same as Free Software, isn't it? Not exactly. Free Software (licensed under the GPL or a compatible license) is definitely Open Source. But the Open Source Initiative approves some licenses that are not compatible with the GPL. It is really a difference of philosophy. Free Software is concerned with the user's freedom. Open Source is concerned with making the source code available. But what does it matter? I can download it all for free, right? Again, not exactly. Free and Open Source Software is usually available on the internet, or from a friend, or wherever, for no cost. But there is also no restriction on charging for the same.  RMS even encourages charging a fee.  He has said, "Distributing free software is an opportunity to raise funds for development. Don't waste it!" Of course, don't charge too much, or either no one will buy it, or some person (or group) will buy it, and then redistribute it, legally, for less.  This is why you many sites can charge you for a CD/DVD, if you want to go that route.  And why not?  They should at least be allowed to recoup their own costs. Of course, even in the Linux world you have some proprietary and /or commercial software.  How about those Windows wifi drivers that you need ndiswrapper to run?  One of the "blobs" in the kernel is for nVidia drivers.  There are other commercial/proprietary applications available for Linux.  CrossOver Linux comes to mind.   I have also purchased ported Windows games.  There are other, often specialized, applications available.  But these are anathema to Free Software, and have no place on a pure, free, Gnu/Linux box. So, what camp am I in?  As much as I appreciate what RMS, Gnu, and the Free Software Foundation have done, and as much as I encourage them to continue, to not give up until All Software Is Free, I cannot, in good conscience, claim their moral high ground.  In the harsh reality of my world, I am getting older.  I want to use things that work, today, not sometime in the future.  I want my laptop to connect via my wireless router.  I want to watch those flash animations.  I want to play Civilization.  And I don't want to be forced to use Windows to do it.

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