Re: [Hardhats-members] more M read questions

[Michael D. Weisner]

From: "Ruben Safir" Monday, August 22, 2005 6:03 PM > I don't know what Open Source is exactly, but in the case of Free > Software, its the "right" way to do things.  Its also usually the least > expensive way as well, but that is just a side affect of it being a Free > Software program.  The freer things are, in most things, the more money > you make and the less you pay for a unit. > > Ruben You have missed a very critical difference in the concept of Open Source, that is that the source code is available.  Free software, the stuff that is given away, does not always incorporate the source code.  The fact that I have access to the source code permits me to know the limitations of the program, at the very least (Microsoft model) and to add function to the program in most cases. As a result, I do not support the Open Source concept as "Free Software" but rather as software that can grow, change and not become orphaned by the author.  As has been noted in this and other lists, the cost of support is the real expense in software.  The "least expensive way" is the method that results in the longest lifespan of the system and the lowest cost of support over the life of the product.  Please do not confuse this with the cost of purchase or implementation. Lastly, what is meant by the statement: "The freer things are, in most things, the more money you make and the less you pay for a unit."  Who is referenced by the "you". Mike