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One Life To Live

The second argument holds no water for closed source software designers in that we really aren't denying the individual at all. In fact, in open source development, we increase the value of the individual by allowing each person to view the source code, and we request their input.

If the individual does not like an aspect of the program, he or she may contribute changes to the software product to suit their needs. If you don't like the OK button where it is, you can change it, or have it say Alright instead.

Furthermore, closed source software houses ignore the individual. Do you know the name of the head programmer of the Microsoft Windows kernel? In contrast, many of the developers of the software products under linux are very well known (to the community.) Oft times, the email addresses of the individuals responsible for various aspects of a software product are in plain text, noted in various places, in the actual running program. Closed source anonymises the individuals.



E R 2000-06-13