Some companies still struggle with Open Source software violations
Slow and Steady
"maddog" explains that the seemingly clear concept of Free and Open Source Software is not so clear to all involved, and that education takes time.
I have been programming since 1969 – more than 46 years. The GNU project started in 1984, more than 30 years ago, and I first saw Linux in May 1994, more than 21 years ago. For a large portion of that time I have been using and talking about Open Source in various forms.
Sometimes this work is exasperating. Issues that seem so clear and obvious to me (especially because I have seen others successfully implement what I have been talking about) still seem to stymie people I meet.
Recently, I was at an embedded systems conference and was happy to see some discussion about Free and Open Source Software. Some vendors were actively talking about projects like Coreboot, using Free Software, and the advantages that they see in it. It was gratifying to hear some of the same arguments that FOSS people have been making for years being taken as a matter of fact by these business people.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.

