On 2009-01-31 10:18, Michael Ross wrote: > I don't understand your comment. What do you mean by not having access to > the source code? What is this risk? This is not a rhetorical question. I > do not understand your complaint.
With free software, such as dia, geda, kicad you not only get the binary program, but also the programs source code. If you have problems with the program (a bug or crucial missing feature) you can either try to fix the problem yourself or you could ask (maybe pay) someone to do it for you. E.g. the dia mailing list is almost always a very helpful community, where you get direct contact to the actual developers. With closed source, proprietary software, such as ORCAD, you are in the hands of the software supplier. If you have a problem with the program, they will help you — maybe, maybe not. You cannot fix the bugs yourself nor ask someone to do it for you. You don't have the source code and changing the program would probably violate the license anyway. I just would not build my business on that concept. Another aspect is the operating system: You can run dia on Linux, MacOS, and Windows. For gEDA and kicad I'm not sure, maybe they are Linux-only, but because you have the source code, one can just port the Software to another operating system. This is not possible with closed source, proprietary software. This takes a business decision, like changing the IT infra-structure of your company, out of your hands into the hands of other companies. I would not do this in my business. Still, for many people ORCAD might be the right choice, so I absolutely don't complain, that you mentioned it. I just wanted to point out free alternatives, and why I would prefer them. Cheers! _______________________________________________ dia-list mailing list [email protected] http://mail.gnome.org/mailman/listinfo/dia-list FAQ at http://live.gnome.org/Dia/Faq Main page at http://live.gnome.org/Dia
