On Wed, 16 Apr 2003, Joshua Ferraro wrote:
Hi All: Koha is often referred to as an "open source" project (definition at http://www.opensource.org/osd.html. Do we also characterize it as "free software" (definition at http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html)? I know that in practice, nearly all software meeting one definition also meets the other, I was just wondering what everyone thinks about the distinction.
To my mind, there are advantages to both terms. "Open source" is more widely known (at least around here) and expresses the "openness" of the code. "Free software" (as in free speech) comes closer to the library concept of free access to information; it also (conveniently) covers the monetary aspect of things (after all, the software is available at no cost).
Joshua
For me, the ethical aspect is the most important part. The Free Software focus on that. The "Open Source" focus on the technical approach. Free Software seems better in the context of Free Access to Information. For Koha, I think the ethical aspect of Free Software is really important and Koha can be used as a first contact to Free Software. just my .02 EUR. adulau -- -- Alexandre Dulaunoy (adulau) -- http://www.foo.be/ -- http://pgp.ael.be:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x44E6CBC -- "Knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance -- that we can solve them" Isaac Asimov