The importance of GNU (free software and freedom)

[Rooktoven]

http://kerneltrap.org/node/4484

Freedom as a concept in and of itself is often not fought for as much as some aspect of freedom or some right to do something. One of the foremost fighters in the world for freedom is Richard Stallman. Chances are, if you don’t have a job in a technical field, or if you aren’t a Slashdot reader (a slashdot entry pointed to this interview) you will not have heard of Richard Stallman. Stallman is a gifted programmer who has largely given up programming to fight for freedom not only in the realm of computer usage, but also in more general terms worldwide. In this interview with kerneltrap magazine you will see a discussion of computer programming issues, but not so complex that it drives the lay person away. Stallman argues the importance of free software (software that does not limit your present or future freedoms) for all computer users, not just the programmers.

Along the way, Stallman lays forth on the problem of wages and jobs worldwide, and how standards of living are systematically lowered by corporations through the elimination of trade barriers. Stallman is a fountain of wisdom, both in his explanations of how the world works, and in the pithy maxims he uses to punctuate his arguments.

Tell me this guy isn’t a hero…

[alfredo]

1. thanks for the link. I have been a supporter of

GNU software for a long time. I started off with MkLinux, a project to help Apple developers to familiarize themselves with the Mach Kernel. It was also a hedge against M$ and the possibility that Gates would put Apple out of business.

richard Stallman is the sage of free software movement.

http://slashdot.org try it, you'll like it.

[Rooktoven]

3. thanks for catching my slashdot link omission.

It's not just news for nerds...

[Solon]

2. He definately hit the nail on the head about free trade agreements.

I heard of him related to GNU/Linux, I have a version myself, but not about his greater role.