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Learn more"True hackers" were pioneers in the field of information technology who laid the foundations of modern IT culture. These ideological figures promoted the values of freedom and collaboration, which became the basis for the creation of movements such as the Free Software Foundation and the Open Source Initiative. Their influence on the development of technology and software philosophy continues to this day, inspiring new developers to create open and accessible software for everyone.
Despite having common goals, representatives of the organizations have been unable to reach an agreement for over 20 years. Each year, the conflict worsens, leading to a further deterioration in relations between the parties. New approaches and solutions are needed to overcome this protracted crisis and restore productive cooperation.
Idealists: Freedom Above All
In 1983, American programmer and activist Richard Stallman, known online as RMS, launched the GNU Project. This large-scale project was created with the goal of restoring users' freedom and control over software by providing access to the source code and the ability to modify it. The GNU Project has become the foundation for the development of free software, open source principles, and the creation of communities that support the ideas of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of technology.
In 1985, Richard Stallman founded the Free Software Foundation (FSF). This non-profit organization actively supports free software developers and sponsors the GNU Project. The FSF owns the copyright to many free programs and ensures that these rights are respected. The Foundation's primary goal is to advance the free software movement, which fosters open technology and ensures users have the freedom to use, modify, and redistribute software.
Richard Stallman, recognizing that true freedom is impossible without a free operating system, defined the creation of such a system as "the primary goal of the GNU Project." It is worth noting that the acronym GNU is recursive and stands for "GNU is not Unix!" Thus, the GNU Project became an alternative to the proprietary Unix operating system, emphasizing the importance of software freedom for users.
In 1991, Linus Torvalds introduced the Linux kernel, which was developed independently of the GNU Project. In 1992, he released it under the GNU General Public License. This agreement ensured users the "four freedoms" formulated by Richard Stallman in the GNU Manifesto in 1985. These freedoms include the right to use, study, modify, and redistribute the software, which became the foundation for the development of open source software and contributed to the growth of the developer community around the world.
Run the program whenever and for whatever purpose you want.
Studying and modifying the source code is an important part of working with software. Understanding the internal structure of the code allows not only to improve the functionality of the application but also to optimize its performance. By studying the source code, developers can identify vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and add new features, which ultimately contributes to the creation of a higher-quality product. Modifying the code also provides the opportunity to tailor it to the specific requirements of users or businesses, making it more versatile and efficient.
Distributing exact copies of the software is an important practice that helps provide access to the necessary tools and resources. This includes transferring licensed versions of programs that can be used for educational, research, and commercial purposes. Having exact copies helps avoid copyright issues and promotes compliance with licensing agreements. Furthermore, proper distribution of software builds user trust and fosters a healthy ecosystem for developers and consumers.
Distributing modified versions is an important aspect of the open source world. It allows users not only to use the original products but also to adapt them to their needs. Modifications can include functionality improvements, bug fixes, or the addition of new features. Such actions foster community development and knowledge sharing, ultimately leading to higher-quality and more effective solutions. Distributing modified versions also helps attract new users and developers, expanding the audience and increasing interest in the project.
The user has the ability to remove certain components of the program. If they do not have this option, this indicates that they do not control the software. In this case, control passes to the developer, who is able to influence users through their software. It is precisely this type of software that Richard Stallman and his followers classify as proprietary. This highlights the importance of user freedom in software management and the need to choose truly free solutions.
With the advent of the Linux operating system, the primary goal of the GNU Project was achieved, allowing its participants to focus on developing new free software and active social activities. One of the most famous GNU products was the GNU Emacs text editor, created by Richard Stallman using the C and Emacs Lisp languages. This editor has become a standard in the programming world due to its flexibility and powerful functionality. GNU Emacs continues to be a popular tool among developers, providing free access to powerful editing and customization tools, which is consistent with the principles of free software.
Free Speech, Not Free Beer
"Free software" in English is referred to as free software. The word free has two main meanings: "free" and "free of charge". However, in the context of free software, the emphasis is on the freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software, and not on its price. Richard Stallman illustrates this difference with specific examples. Choosing free software allows users to adapt programs to their needs, share them with others, and make changes, which contributes to the development of open technologies and communities. Free software is becoming an important part of the modern digital world, ensuring accessibility and transparency in the use of software products.
To properly understand this concept, it is important to understand the meaning of the word "free" in the context of the expression "free speech", and not in the meaning of "free beer". Free speech means the ability to freely express your thoughts and ideas without fear of persecution or censorship. It is a key aspect of a democratic society, which ensures a diversity of opinions and promotes open dialogue among citizens. Understanding this distinction is the basis for a deep understanding of the role of freedom in modern communications and society as a whole.
Free software may be paid for, but users always have the right to copy it, modify it, and even sell copies. To emphasize freedom of use, the word "libre" is sometimes used alongside the term "free." This gave rise to the acronym FLOSS (Free/Libre and Open-Source Software). It is important to note that free software is often not free and may be distributed with closed source code, which limits user rights.
Free software advocates emphasize the importance of commercial development and paid distribution of programs. Without financial support, free software risks not reaching users, and developers will not be able to continue their work. This opinion is shared by Richard Stallman, who emphasizes the need for an economic basis for creating high-quality software. Commercial models can facilitate the development of free software by providing stable resources for developers and allowing users to gain access to innovative solutions.
Commercial development will avoid costly and inefficient duplication of effort. As a result, programmers will be able to focus on developing technologies, leading to increased productivity and innovation. This will not only speed up development processes but also ensure a more focused approach to creating new software solutions.
Many free software programs are distributed under the copyleft principle. This means that when distributing the program, you are not allowed to restrict the fundamental freedoms of users. As a result, various versions of the GPL license are incompatible with many other licenses, since each of them infringes on users' freedoms in one way or another. This creates difficulties for developers and users who want to use and modify software without restrictions.
Open Source – A Chance 20 Years in Wait
On February 3, 1998, Christine Peterson, co-founder of the Foresight Institute, coined the term "open source." By this time, interest in free software was being shown not only by experienced hackers, but also by a wider audience. However, the term "free software" misled inexperienced users, making them think that it meant a free product. Open source implies not only the ability to use software for free, but also access to its source code, which allows users to modify and improve the programs. It's a concept of openness and collaboration that continues to evolve and attract the attention of developers and organizations around the world.
At this point, the software conversation is focused on the price of alcoholic beverages.
Christine Peterson is the co-founder of the Foresight Institute, an organization that studies technology and its impact on the future of humanity. She is actively involved in developing new approaches to addressing the complex challenges posed by technological change and its consequences. Christine is committed to advancing innovation that can improve people's lives and lead to sustainable development. Her work at the Foresight Institute focuses on bringing together experts and researchers to create a safer and more progressive future.
Christine began to consider alternative options and came to the conclusion that the only acceptable solution was "open source software." On February 5, she met with like-minded individuals, including Eric Raymond (known as ESR), a renowned American hacker, author of the Cathedral and the Bazaar trilogy, and editor and curator of the Jargon File. Programmer Todd Anderson and other hacker veterans also attended the meeting. The discussion focused on the benefits of using open source and its impact on the development of technology.
Peterson discussed the new term with Anderson, but instead of introducing it to others right away, Anderson took a more subtle approach. During a casual conversation, he casually mentioned the phrase "open source." This strategic decision allowed him to gauge the reaction of those around him and set the stage for further discussion.
A few minutes later, one of the people present, continuing the discussion, inadvertently mentioned the phrase "open source." Todd and I exchanged glances, realizing we both caught the moment. The word became important for our conversation because open source plays a key role in the modern world of technology and programming. We realized that the topic of open source is not only relevant but also requires further discussion.
Kristin Peterson is the co-founder of the Foresight Institute, an organization that researches future technologies and their impact on society. She is actively involved in developing strategies aimed at sustainable development and the implementation of innovative solutions. Under her leadership, the Foresight Institute hosts workshops and conferences that promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas among scientists, entrepreneurs, and activists. Christine also works to popularize science and technology, drawing attention to the importance of ethical considerations in the development of new technologies.
At the end of the meeting, the question of adopting a new term was formally raised. The participants in the discussion suggested various options, such as “freely distributable,” “cooperatively developed,” “free software,” “open source,” and “sourceware.” Todd advocated for the term open source, receiving support from Eric Raymond, and the other participants eventually agreed with his proposal. The adoption of the term open source was an important step in the development of the community, as it emphasizes the principles of openness and accessibility of software.
Christine and her team soon registered the website opensource.org. Within a few weeks, the term “open source” had become popular. began to be actively used by companies such as O'Reilly & Associates and Netscape. This was an important step in the development of the developer community and the popularization of open technologies. The website opensource.org played a key role in spreading the concept of open software, which contributed to the growth of interest in collaboration and knowledge sharing among programmers and companies.
Shortly before this landmark meeting, Netscape announced its intention to make the source code of its browser available on the Internet. Peterson, Raymond and their colleagues were convinced that now was the perfect time to attract the attention of corporations to the development of free software. Eric Raymond in an interview with Salon magazine noted that the hacker culture had been waiting for this moment for 20 years.
From the very beginning, I recognized that this was a unique opportunity. For the entire 20 years that I dedicated to Unix and GNU, starting from the era when the Internet consisted of only 500 unknown engineers, we had an effective way to develop programs and share their results. However, our opinion was not taken seriously. The emergence of Netscape gave us the opportunity to bring our ideas to the corporate sector.
Raymond played a key role in popularizing the term "open source," making it accessible to a wider audience. In 1998, he co-founded the Open Source Initiative (OSI) with Bruce Perens, a renowned programmer and free software activist. This organization became an important step in the development of the community of developers and users, promoting the spread of the ideas of openness and collaboration in software development.
In the same year, Bruce released the definition of open source code (Open Source Definition), which has become fundamental for software classification. This document clearly defines the criteria necessary for assigning software open source status. It outlines 10 key principles that software must meet to be certified as open source. Point nine deserves special attention, as it clearly demonstrates the differences between free software and open source. Understanding these differences is essential for users and developers seeking to choose the right solutions for their needs. Free software focuses on the freedom to use, modify, and distribute, while open source emphasizes the availability of source code. This distinction shapes the approach to licensing and the community around the software, which in turn affects its development and support.
Even "good" software can be bad
When Christine first coined the term "open source," Richard Stallman supported its use, but soon changed his position. It turned out that the concept of Open Source differs significantly from the idea of Free Software. While Open Source is a method of software development, Stallman's views address broader issues, including politics and social aspects. That is why the term "open" is listed as a word to be avoided on gnu.org.
There is an ideological split among free software (FSF) and open source advocates. Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation (FSF), and Eric Raymond, who popularized open source ideas, represent two different approaches to software development. Raymond argues that the FSF's ideology hinders the spread of free software, as its emphasis on philosophical aspects can distract from the practical benefits. He believes that to successfully promote free software, it is necessary to focus on its functionality and accessibility, which, in his opinion, is a more effective approach for attracting users and developers. This disagreement highlights the importance of understanding the different points of view within the community, which can influence the future of free and open source software.
Of course, I am ready to help with editing the text. Please provide the text itself that you want to redo.
The word "free" has given rise to many interpretations. This movement arose under the influence of the ideas of Richard Stallman, a well-known activist from Boston. In contrast, our arguments were based on economic aspects, development prospects, and expected results. We did not seek radical action, as some other movements did, as we considered this an ineffective strategy.
Unlike free software supporters, for whom user rights and freedoms are of primary importance, the leaders of the Open Source movement focused on more pressing issues. For example, Eric Raymond argued that unreliable software causes significantly more damage than non-free software. He emphasized the importance of the quality and security of software solutions, which in turn contributes to the development of more reliable and efficient technologies. Thus, the Open Source movement focuses on the practical aspects of software, which makes it in demand in business and among developers.
The main problem in software development remains the issue of reliability. Unfortunately, the level of reliability in our industry often leaves much to be desired.
To ensure the reliability of a program, it is necessary to provide experts with access to its source code. This will allow them to conduct a detailed analysis, identify vulnerabilities and errors, and make the necessary corrections. Open source code access improves software quality and reduces the risks associated with its operation.
Four key components of the Internet—Bind, Perl, Sendmail, and Apache—are open source projects, ensuring their high reliability. These technologies have become the foundation of the Internet, and their stability is directly related to the fact that developers and users can study the source code, identify bugs, and make adjustments. Thanks to this open approach, software continues to evolve and improve, making the Internet more secure and efficient. The reliability of these tools underscores the importance of open source in the modern digital world.
Eric Raymond is a co-founder of the Open Source Initiative, an organization that plays a key role in popularizing and developing the concept of open source software. His contribution to the open source movement is invaluable, as it is thanks to individuals like him that a vibrant community of developers and users has emerged, striving to freely share knowledge and resources. Raymond is known for his work, particularly his essay "The Cafe and the Cathedral," in which he analyzes the benefits of open source software and its impact on the tech industry. Thanks to his efforts, the ideas of openness and collaboration have become fundamental to many modern projects and startups, contributing to faster technological development and innovation in general. Free software advocates emphasize ideology. Paolo Colonello, founder of the blogging platform Bligoo, explains the key differences between the various movements. Unlike other approaches, Free Software proponents believe that software should be free to use, modify, and distribute. This is not simply a technological issue, but a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of user freedom and their right to control technology. Thus, the ideology of free software becomes a central element in discussions about the development of technology and its impact on society.
Advocates of free software, considering Windows, argue that this software is immoral because users do not have access to its source code and cannot know what actions it performs on the computer. On the other hand, proponents of open source note that the quality of such software leaves much to be desired, since a limited number of developers are responsible for its development, and its further development depends on a single company, in this case, Microsoft.
Bruce Perens clearly explained the differences between the concepts.
Richard Stallman argues that all software should be free. In contrast, I believe that free and proprietary software can coexist. This is a key difference in our views on the nature and development of software. Free software gives users more control and power, but proprietary software can also serve important functions in today's technological landscape.
In practice, this means that a number of free licenses require that the results of using free software comply with the terms of the original license. This approach is sometimes called "enforcing freedom." Over time, Richard Stallman's views on software licensing evolved, leading to more flexible license options. For example, the GNU LGPL requires source code only for a free library, while the proprietary portion can remain closed. In contrast, open source licenses were originally more flexible, permitting the use of open source programs in conjunction with closed software. This diversity of licenses allows developers to choose the most appropriate option for their projects, which promotes wider distribution and sharing of software.
Richard Stallman's articles explain in detail the key differences between the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and the Open Source Initiative (OSI). It focuses on the philosophical foundations that underlie each organization, as well as their approaches to free software. The FSF emphasizes user freedom, while the OSI focuses on the practical aspects of open source. These differences have a significant impact on software development and the formation of developer communities.
The Free Software Foundation defends the principles of freedom and fairness, while the Open Source Initiative focuses on practical aspects and does not emphasize principles. That is why we do not share their views and do not use the term "open source". We believe that true software freedom lies in the ability of users to control and change software, which is the basis of our approach.
Richard Stallman is the founder of the Free Software Foundation and a significant figure in the free software world. Since its founding in 1985, Stallman has actively promoted the ideas of user freedom and open source software. He developed the concept of free software, which includes the rights of users to use, study, modify, and redistribute software. This philosophy has become the foundation for numerous projects and communities dedicated to making free and accessible software available to everyone. Stallman is also known for his work on the GNU Project, which became the basis for many operating systems, including the most popular Linux distributions. His efforts to protect user rights and combat freedom-restricting software made him a key figure in the free software movement.
Freedom is key to society because it facilitates the exchange of ideas and collaboration. With the increasing role of electronic devices in our lives, free software (free software) has become critical to ensuring universal freedom. Richard Stallman criticizes open-source software advocates for their pragmatic approach. While Eric Raymond used Netscape's success to convince businesses of the importance of open source, Stallman emphasizes deeper principles related to ethics and user rights.
Some open-source advocates have used the term as part of an advertising campaign aimed at promoting free software. This campaign attracted the attention of entrepreneurs by offering practical benefits while avoiding discussion of moral aspects that might not interest businessmen. At the same time, other open source advocates completely rejected the ethical and social values of free software.
Richard Stallman is the founder of the Free Software Foundation, an organization that actively promotes free software ideas. Stallman became known for his efforts to defend users' rights to the freedom to use, study, modify, and distribute software. His work aimed to create an alternative to proprietary software, which contributed to the development of open source and communities based on knowledge sharing. Stallman is also the author of the philosophy of software freedom, which emphasizes the importance of ethical aspects in the development and use of technology. His contributions to the free software movement have had a significant impact on the modern software industry and on the development of technology in general.
Software quality and reliability are important factors when choosing tools for work. Open source software advocates can use proprietary programs as long as they meet high standards. However, for activists of the Free Software Foundation (FSF), this decision is unacceptable. They adhere to the principle that the use of proprietary software contradicts the ideals of freedom and openness inherent in the free software philosophy.
A reliable program may turn out to be ineffective.
Richard Stallman, the founder of the Free Software Foundation, is one of the key figures in the world of free software. He began his work in the 1980s, when he developed the concept of free software, which gives users the freedom to use, study, change, and redistribute software. Stallman actively advocates for user rights and against software patents, believing that software products should be available to everyone. His work and ideas formed the basis of the free software movement, which continues to have a significant influence on the development of technology and programming. The Free Software Foundation, founded by Stallman in 1985, plays a vital role in promoting free software and protecting the rights of developers and users.
Such a program limits the user's freedom, and if it is truly useful and high-quality, it can make their life even more difficult.
#CancelStallman, #BanRaymond
The fight for software freedom and open source has been complicated by internal contradictions and scandals in both camps. In 2020, one of the founders of the Open Source Initiative (OSI), Bruce Perens, left the organization due to disagreements over licenses. OSI and the Free Software Foundation (FSF) have developed a variety of licenses, and this diversity sometimes creates difficulties even for the organizations themselves. Perens commented on the reasons for his departure, emphasizing that the excessive number of licenses makes it difficult to understand and apply open source principles.
We developed a complex licensing system but failed to establish clear criteria for compliance. This has created a serious and unresolvable problem. We face difficulties in litigating copyright infringement.
The problem lies in the lack of clear criteria defining where the use of proprietary software is permissible and where it is inappropriate. License agreements often contain loopholes that can be exploited by unscrupulous users to circumvent restrictions. This creates uncertainty and risks for both software developers and end users. It is important to develop clear and transparent rules for the use of proprietary software to minimize the potential for abuse and protect the rights of all stakeholders.
In 2020, Open Source Initiative (OSI) co-founder Eric Raymond was removed from two of the organization's mailing lists for violating the organization's rules of conduct. In response, Raymond created a page called "The right to be rude" to criticize OSI, accusing the organization of bureaucratization and restriction of freedoms. This incident became a topic of discussion in the developer community and raised important questions about freedom of expression within open source organizations.
The scandal surrounding Richard Stallman has caused widespread controversy. He has been accused of misogyny, justifying sexual abuse of minors, transphobia, and ableism, which is a negative attitude toward people with disabilities. An example of his ableist statements is his phrase: "If the fetus has Down syndrome, you should have an abortion and try again." These statements have sparked heated debate in society and raise important questions about morality, ethics, and the right to life.
Events began to unfold in 2019 after Richard Stallman's statements about the activities of American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of human trafficking, including of minors. During a public discussion, Stallman claimed that the girls were allegedly not forced into sexual relations and voluntarily expressed a desire to participate in such acts. These allegations sparked a wide public outcry and became the subject of discussion in the media and social networks, leading to criticism of both Stallman himself and his views on this issue.
In the first days after the publication of the statement, a wave of indignation arose in the press. Stallman hastened to admit his mistake and tried to explain that his words had been misinterpreted. However, the reaction was already too strong. As a result, Richard Stallman resigned as president of the foundation and left MIT, where he taught. This event marked a significant moment in his career and sparked active debate within the community.
In 2021, after public passions had subsided, Richard Stallman was re-elected to the board of directors of the Free Software Foundation (FSF), which he himself founded. In response to this event, an open letter calling for Stallman to be stripped of all leadership positions was published online. The letter was signed by over 3,000 people, including leaders of the Open Source Initiative, GNOME Foundation head Neil McGovern, and other prominent community figures. The Fedora project severed ties with the foundation, and Red Hat announced it was ending its funding. This movement has been joined by organizations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Mozilla, the Tor Project, and many others, highlighting the importance of this issue for the free software community. Those who disagree with the persecution of renowned freedom fighter Richard Stallman have published an open letter in his support, signed by nearly 7,000 people. RMS defenders have carefully analyzed each point of the accusations and exposed their shortcomings. Some have seen these actions as an attempt to undermine the free software movement. This standoff between the OSI and the FSF has reached a new level, highlighting the importance of upholding the principles of freedom and openness in the technological world. Leah Rowe, author and lead developer of the Libreboot distribution, has spoken out in defense of RMS. In her commentary, she addressed the main criticisms of Richard Stallman, emphasizing his contribution to the free software movement and the importance of his ideas for the development of technology. Rowe emphasized the need to maintain an open dialogue and respect for different points of view in the community.
- Red Hat is owned by IBM, its distribution contains a lot of proprietary software, and they also killed the Linux distribution CentOS, popular among developers.
- OSI closely cooperates with Microsoft and is funded by it.
- The Gnome Foundation is also closely associated with Microsoft.
The Fight Continues
At present, several key aspects stand out. Despite ideological differences and attempts to eliminate significant figures, the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and the Open Source Software Institute (OSI) continue their active work. These organizations play a vital role in the development and promotion of free and open source software, providing support to developers and users worldwide.
It's not expected that all software developers will change their approaches and make their products completely open source or publish their source code. However, software freedom advocates have made significant progress. A closer look reveals that open source technologies are ubiquitous: in Wi-Fi routers, cars, web servers, banking systems, airports, and medical facilities, as well as supercomputers and many other areas. Open source software is becoming an important element in various industries, enabling innovation and flexibility in development.
Free beer remains a real rarity.
Check out the following materials:
- James Gosling: How Java and the Java Virtual Machine Were Created
- GNU Emacs: How a Text Editor from the 1980s Teaches Programmers the Value of Free Software
- A Guide to Free Licenses from GNU: What They Are and What Types They Are
