[Koha] Open Source or Free Software?

[Alexandre Dulaunoy]

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/
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