The best answer could be as below... (please correct me if i am wrong).
FOSS software need not always be free.. however, when we buy that software,
we get the source code too, and the permission for us to share this software
with others.
You could typically explain this by comparing microsoft.. when you buy a
windows Xp cd, you have so much restriction.. ie, to use it only in one
machine, for only one user.. so you are like slave, who have to bound by
what ever they say.. you cant even install it another machine of yours, as
per their license. (Many dont know this india thanks to piracy.. )
However, in FOSS, its exactly the opposite..
Why FOSS is free of cost?
Because, those who initiated the project, need resources to do
programming. They release it for free, under GPL license, because, when any
one uses this software, they have to give back the source of any
modifications / improvements they have done to it. Thus, the originator of
the software gets benefitted in getting a better version of his own.
But in FOSS, since all participate in equal enthusiasm and commitment, every
one comes forward not just to share the modifications, but rather to
participate in improving the software.
Example... oscommerce was the most popular ecommerce software. Initially
it began with set of basic features. But, as more and more people deploy it
for ecommerce sites, they are met with some custom requirements, which they
did to that basic version. This change was again given back to the
developer community, and they incorporated. When thousands of such people
participate, you can imagine the amount of innovation and improvement that
core developers got back.
(Unlike in India, in western countries, one can easily sue in court, and get
judgement quickly.. hence, most people adhere to the agreements :) )
Should all projects be free?
No.. not necessary.. if you have developed a s/w from scratch, you are
entitled to released it any license, like GPL, LGPL, or create your own
license..
However, if you build upon existing software, then you have to bind to the
license agreement. Since most foss softwares are based on GPL, it requires
you NOT to charge for the software and you need to abide by it. (if i am
wrong, any one please correct me)
Dinesh .. you can convey the FOSS concept easily, by describing how we are
bound to microsoft and Linux..
Regards,
Senthil Raja
On Jan 23, 2008 4:50 AM, Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:35:35 +0530, Dinesh Uthayakumar
<udinesh5@xxxxxxxxx> said:
Hello All ! Some of the questions i anticipate in my promotion of
FOSS in my college.
"Why is that FOSS projects free in cost too ?
Should all FOSS project always be free in cost ?"
No. The free in free software has to do with freedom, not with
cost. You are at liberty to try and see free software, like Debian, at
whatever price point you choose.
I want to know how would u reply to such a question ?
Honestly?
manoj
--
Never buy what you do not want because it is cheap; it will be dear to
you. Thomas Jefferson
Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@xxxxxxx> <http://www.golden-gryphon.com/>
1024D/BF24424C print 4966 F272 D093 B493 410B 924B 21BA DABB BF24 424C
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