In 1985, Richard Stallman released “The GNU Manifesto,” in which he proclaimed a golden rule: One must share computer programs. Software vendors required him to agree to license agreements that forbade sharing programs with others, but he refused to “break solidarity” with other computer users whom he assumed also wanted to use free software. Many people are surprised to hear that Stallman’s free software dream has been realized. Using only free software has considerable economic, technical, political, pedagogical and moral advantages — and surprisingly few frustrations.

It’s Time to Consider Open Source Software, Part 1