A License to Code

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So what does all this mean for people who are only interested in using (and tuning and customizing) a Linux system? Well, the one thing that all open source and free software licenses have in common is that they are free for use for any purpose. Most of the snags that arise in open software licensing generally involve redistribution and modification. Parties that are simply using the software are safe.

But, with all this question and rhetoric over free software vs. proprietary, should we really be so careless about the licenses we use? The answer is that it's up to you. Some people object to animals being used to test the safety of cosmetics. Aside from suing these companies if they violate the law, the only recourse available to such activists is to boycott the offending companies' products. Similarly, if you don't care for a particular software license, you can simply choose not to use that software. If you can't work without it, then you can write (or commission) your own version under a license you prefer.

Users who are truly concerned (or perhaps just curious) about free software licenses are encouraged to look at the web sites of the Free Software Foundation and the Open Source Initiative, read their respective positions and definitions, and perhaps make a donation. The best choice is always the one you make yourself.

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