The Philosophy of Open Source

[graphikeye]

In my mind, I am always analysing and trying to understand Open Source. What is the primary advantage in using Linux, after all ?
Of course, one interesting article I read recently shed a lot of light. Linux and Windows, simply put, are different. The paradigm shift is quite big. However, one feature stands out for me and helps clear the clutter in my mind: Windows was designed by the producer to fit the needs of the customer. At the sime time though, the producer is setting the standards for the customer. Linux, on the other hand, was designed "from the ground up". That is to say, the users designed the framework that would implement their needs. And that is a tremendous advantage. Of course, I could compile a long list of all the advantages Open Source has, but this stands out as the key feature. Also, I don't think Open Source has any competitors for market share because, bluntly put, it's free.
I didn't intend to delve into useless jabberish though. It's just that putting my thoughts down in writing and discussing them with other people helps me understand the world I live in. I've also been reading loads and loads of articles about Open Source and everthing pertaining to it. One book I highly recommend: "The World is Flat" ( Thomas Friedman ).

Meh,
that's it.

[carlosponti]

There are so many broad generalizations in what you are trying to discuss. first off open source is not Linux but Linux is open source. Its difficult to create dialog based on open source and try to discuss Linux in the same token. Linux however is a shining example of how open source works and where it works well. Discussing Windows and Linux in the same token are like discussing Bicyclists to Nascar racers. The goal is the same, control Hardware and give and receive signals from users of course its lot more complicated than that. The example however is the same that you have two completely different systems that work to accomplish the same goals. And really Linux isn't really free as in beer but free as in ideology. There are those that are free as in beer that are supported in communities and those that require a purchase of some kind. Though mostly the purchase involves support. Linux does have advantages for some and the same advantages are a hinderer for others. The main advantage is for me that the OS functions the way I prefer. Windows doesn't appeal to me in that fashion. It sounds weird but to me Linux is easier to maintain and function that windows but that has to do with my way of handling problems. In all honesty that is why its impossible to really state windows is better or Linux is better. Its also the same reason for Distribution choice. Individual Necessity drives the usefulness of one Distro over another and Linux over Windows.

[cousinlucky]

As an example of the ignorant old consumer philosophy is way over my head. Results are what is important to me.

Windows on the Internet = Spyware, Adware, Trojans, Hijackings and many many hard drive reformats.

Linux on the Internet = None of the Above!!

What else is there to say?

[techieMoe]

As an example of the ignorant old consumer philosophy is way over my head. Results are what is important to me.

Agreed. That's why (sheath your swords, folks) I use a Macbook Pro running OS X right now. It does what I want with as little interference as possible.

Philosophy is not a subject I like to get into, since it's completely impractical. I am at my core a pragmatist; I use what works. For me, at this point in my life, it's Mac OS X. In college it was a combination of Linux (for programming work) and MS Windows (for games). Maybe in ten years it will be Linux again, or some other upstart that comes along.

As I've said before, use what works for you. If you're a philosophy kind of person and Free Software (tm) fits your philosophy, great! Use it. If not, use whatever does what you want it to do.

[Santa's little helper]

Philosophy is not a subject I like to get into, since it's completely impractical. I am at my core a pragmatist; I use what works.

And that of course is a philosophical position

[MasonM]

carlosponti: You posted a reasonably intelligent reply, but try using paragraphs once in a while. That enter key does work.

Putting everything into one long paragraph causes most people to just give up and stop reading.

As for the OP, the primary advantage of using Linux depends entirely upon the goals, needs, and preferences of the user.

For some people, Windows really is the best choice. For the rest of us, something different is what is best. It's a very subjective question.

It's pretty much the same as "Should I choose Slackware, Debian, Ubuntu, or SuSe?" It just depends.

[carlosponti]

carlosponti: You posted a reasonably intelligent reply, but try using paragraphs once in a while. That enter key does work.

Putting everything into one long paragraph causes most people to just give up and stop reading.

paragraphs are way overrated