Free and Open Source Software
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is as much a point of view as it is a piece of code. Actually it is two separate but closely related points of view. Proponents of free software oppose proprietary software, while open source is a development model opposed to keeping the code secret. Neither approach necessarily precludes charging money for software. "Free as in freedom, not as in (free) beer." However, open source software is, generally speaking, available free of charge. FOSS is not just for Linux, it is also available for Windows, Macs, etc.
Why use FOSS? Clearly there is a practical advantage of not having to pay for software, but that is not nearly enough. The freedom to download, install, run, examine, change, and redistribute a piece of code results in vast, distributed, networks of dedicated programmers and end-users working to improve the code base. There is no "get it out the door and start selling it" attitude. People work to remove bugs because they want to, not because it will improve the bottom line. There is no "security through obscurity" because everyone can look at how the program works. Creativity is maximized since motivated developers can "fork" a project and take things in another direction, independent of marketing pressures.
A geat deal has been written about FOSS. You have probably been using it for years, perhaps without knowing that you are doing so. If you're interested in exploring things further, the button below will help get you started.
“Free as in freedom, not as in beer!”
Linux
In its purest form, Linux is a kernel. It is combined with various GNU libraries, utilities, etc. to form a Unix-like operating system that is a prime example of free and open source software. It is typically packaged with a host of applications and then installed as part of a distribution, e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, and Slackware. There are significant advantages to this approach. Installation is a single step process, for the operating system and just about all of the application software you'll ever need. Upgrading everything on the box is also streamlined to a single click. The maintainers of the distribution take on the responsibility of ensuring that everything works well together, and for making updates available from one source. If you wish to install new applications, it is generally as easy as pointing the package manager to a repository and clicking "install". Another advantage is the availability of various desktop environments or graphical user interfaces (GUI), e.g., GNOME and KDE. There is a wide range of available software, some tiny applets, some large suites, e.g., open office.
Many have argued, rather vehemently at times, that Linux is more powerful, more secure, more flexible, and much more reliable than a certain well-known commercial alternative. The button below will provide a place to start looking if you wish to find out more.
