In a pre-electronical age, owning a machine raised no ethical issues since
you could study its mechanisms and make sure that it's not mistreating you.
Think of a wheelbarrow for instance.
1. The owner could check how it works
2. It was technically very limited when it comes to possibly harming the
owner
Both points aren't true anymore for computers.
They are too complex and mechanisms are implemented on a microscopic scale;
it's impossible for us to check every circuit.
On top of that, there are plenty of ways to mistreat the owner thanks to
modern technology.
That's why we need tools that allow everybody to produce their own hardware
based on free documentation.
A pc running 100% free software DOES NOT mean that it's an ethical machine.
However, if it doesn't run free software, it's already unethical.
