Difference between revisions of "FOSS~"
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== FOSS == | == FOSS == | ||
| − | + | an acronym that stands for "Free and Open Source Software" | |
| − | + | the definition of Open Source is generally defined by the open source foundation, but the definition of "free" has been humourously defined using three examples: | |
'''free as in beer.''' Free meaning no-cost. Usually in FOSS this is talking about the license to the software not costing any money. This does not mean that the software doesn't cost anything to install or that training for the use of the programs costs nothing, or that running the system and maintaining it requires no financial investment. | '''free as in beer.''' Free meaning no-cost. Usually in FOSS this is talking about the license to the software not costing any money. This does not mean that the software doesn't cost anything to install or that training for the use of the programs costs nothing, or that running the system and maintaining it requires no financial investment. | ||
Latest revision as of 22:31, 4 January 2011
FOSS
an acronym that stands for "Free and Open Source Software" the definition of Open Source is generally defined by the open source foundation, but the definition of "free" has been humourously defined using three examples:
free as in beer. Free meaning no-cost. Usually in FOSS this is talking about the license to the software not costing any money. This does not mean that the software doesn't cost anything to install or that training for the use of the programs costs nothing, or that running the system and maintaining it requires no financial investment.
free as in speech. Free meaning having no restrictions. Free Speech in the United States is associated with the ability to discuss, advocate, or act in ways that exemplify free association and free will. Any speech still has responsibilities to the truth and acting in ways that are not reckless but free speech in software values the ability to modify and distribute the software widely with no responsibility to then pay licensing fees back to the originator. With the Free Speech comes personal responsibility, since the software also does not come generally with a guarantee or warranty.
free as in kittens. Free meaning no obligation to pay the person who gave you access to the software, but just as free kittens involve daily upkeep and attentiveness, the software when used as part of a business will require consistent attention and responsibility to make sure it is functioning in a way that makes it useful.
