Group: Manchester/FAQ
Contents
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions with Answers
Questions we get asked and the answers we give.
What free software is there for the Microsoft Windows OS?
The OpenDisc, "is a high quality collection of open source software (OSS) for the Microsoft Windows operating system.". Their ideals differ from ours, they don't believe in paying for software. But they have a good list of programs, divided in sections of design, games, internet, Multimedia, productivity and utilities.
Open Source Windows, "A simple list of free, open-source software for Windows.".
The FSF have a page, Free Software replacements for proprietary applications on the Microsoft Windows OS.
Cygwin describes itself as "a Linux-like environment for Windows.". It basically gives you the power of a GNU/POSIX system on Windows. It has a package management system with large repository of software.
- MFS personal recommendations
- Web browsing - Firefox
- Email - Thunderbird
- Media Player - VLC
- GNU system - Cygwin
How can you make money from free software?
The purpose of a free software licence is to give the user freedom. It is not about giving away software at zero price. It is not about not making money.
- 101 Ways to Make Money off Open Source. Some ideas for making money, though many of them are not freedom loving. Posted by David Kaufman to the FSB mailing list.
- How To Get Paid For Copyleft Art. Some/all can be translated to software. Posted by Dave Crossland to the FSB mailing list.
What is the difference between free software and open source software?
In terms of software licences and licensed software the differences are small. The amount of software (and licences) that are only one or the other is tiny.
The difference comes from the motivation. Open Source advocates talk about how this software development methodology results in development being quicker, better and less buggy. Free Software advocates talk about user freedom. We summarise this as "Open Source is software development methodology, Free Software is a philosophical idea." and believe that Open Source misses the point.
