Albert Lea Data Wiki

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
====== FreeSlack ======

FreeSlack is a Free eXpansion Pack for Slackware. The project's primary goals are to document all non-free software in Slackware distribution, and to make it easy for users to maintain a fully free Slackware OS.
 \\
Here is the [[http://www.freeslack.net|FreeSlack site]] \\
 \\

Add some stuff ...


===== Free Software =====
We are concerned about, and focused on, human liberty rather than prices paid for software or services. \\
 \\
When we say "free software", we are referring to software that respects human liberty. \\
 \\
What does it mean to "respect human liberty" with respect to software ? \\
 \\
We fundamentally accept the [[https://www.fsf.org/about/what-is-free-software|Free Software Foundation's definitions around this]] \\
 \\
... and, we may also have some of our own insights, as well. \\

==== Why is Free Software Important ? ====
Again, we can refer to the [[https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html|FSF's views]] ... \\
 \\
Some further insight: \\

=== Your Data ===
The software you choose to use is only the tip of the iceberg with regard to your freedom. \\
Everything you DO with the software typically produces data relevant to your activity and the results of the work you have completed with the software's functionality.  If the software stores that data in a manner or format that only IT can access, then your data can in effect be held hostage by the software, or closer to reality - the software's creators. \\
 \\
The risk doesn't stop there - the software's creators also determine long-term implications for usage of the software, such as OS (operating system) compatibility.  If a piece of software is only supported on certain operating systems or OS versions, you may, in choosing to use that software, find yourself locked into the software creator's choices of OS/versions, as well.  Ultimately, these kinds of dependencies can even propogate into dictating otherwise unrelated software choices, even to the point of eclipsing ALL practical choice you would otherwise have had over your entire computing experience. \\
 \\
Any or all of these software choices may also involve being subjected to behavior of software that is unwanted, costly, or malicious ... and you may even be completely unaware of some or all of it. \\
 \\
=== Your Future ===
Any endeavor to utilize computing to solve problems or accomplish work involves investment in evaluation of, selection, acquisition, and deployment of, and effective operation of the software involved. \\
Even the previously-mentioned relationship of your own data to the software choices it depends on amounts to an investment - similar to choosing the type of container you feel safe storing valuable assets in. \\
 \\
A condition known as "vendor lock-in" results in a loss of freedom around determining your own future with respect to computing, and your software choices are fundamental to whether or not you will be subjected to it.  Free software explicitly refuses to subject you to vendor lock-in, whereas non-free software has every motive to seek vendor lock-in over its users whenever possible. \\
 \\
=== Software Ecosystem ===
Software can't exist without developers.  While some developers believe that non-free software is necessary in order for them to be compensated for their work, nothing could be further from the truth. \\
 \\
In fact, the existence and propogation of non-free software strangles developers in a number of ways: \\
  * Toolchains for creating software are in turn themselves pieces of software - if they are not free, the barrier to entry for developers is not only costly, but a moving target shifting along profit streams
  * Non-free software components (libraries, etc...) providing fundamental functionality and locked down via software patents or similar "intellectual property" constraints block the creation of alternatives
  * Non-free software can't be fixed or enhanced by anyone but the rights-holders, who become a "bottle-neck" and "rent-seeker", preventing unaffiliated developers from being of any assistance to users.

// [[:start|back to Zenteknix wiki]] // \\
 \\
Albert Lea Data Wiki

User Tools

Site Tools

Page Tools
