Microsoft forbids its users from looking at the source code, so a Windows user is forced to have faith that Microsoft isn't making her computer do things that she would not consent to if asked. Microsoft systematically violates the faith of its users.
Free software legally binds the developer to a promise of never violating the user's freedom to view the source code.
Microsoft also violates the other three of the four essential software freedoms. For example, users of Microsoft's software are forbidden from selling or giving away copies. Through legal arm-twisting and extortion, Microsoft puts artificially high prices on licenses to use its software.
Free software, in contrast, lets the free market determine the price for the distribution and redistribution of software. Sharing copies of software tends to cost close to nothing beyond the price for electricity and internet service, so the free market tends to price the redistribution of copies of software at zero.
Jeremiah Bell
'pirating' proprietary programs has the same effect. And you're not obligated to distribute libre software for free. I hate retards like you.
Parker Sanders
Same shit applies to proprietary software.
Henry Johnson
You are shit.
Carter White
when you read a book do you have access to the person who wrote it or the pen/typewriter/computer that they used? how do you know they didn't implant freedom destroying microchips or tiny microscopic bugs that send your location to the nsa?
Ayden Sullivan
That covers only two of the four essential software freedoms. You failed to mention 1) the freedom to use the program for any purpose and 2) the freedom to sell or give away copies of your modified versions.
Brody Cooper
I know they don't because what you say is impossible.
Gavin Perez
Powerful magnet. Or just take pictures of the pages. Or just read it at the library.
