FSF and Me

Richard Stallman and Linux Torvalds built the worlds greatest software stack known to man. Often referred to as Linux, although it's proper title is GNU/Linux. As humanity progresses, so do world views. The people have gone from a diverse community with multiple options, to a closed down, closed source society being hidden from all the truths around us. Slowly bringing all these different revelations to hand as a people, there has been a realization that nothing is safe from spying and stealing.

I have been a supporter of the GNU/Linux system for as long as I can remember. I have been running it since I've owned my own computer. with eleven years behind me of learning the system from the inside out, I am very willing to say, if it weren't for GNU/Linux, I would have not even near the same knowledge I am gifted with today. When I talk to fellow geeks and nerds who are not as in-tune with GNU as I have found myself, their understanding of how the world around them works is disappointing.

GPG with the new-found anti-heroes in the media today have brought out the underlying reality, that most of society has a very dim understanding of what is going on in modern America, to say the least. Many questions have started to be asked, and a few have been answered. We know not only our own government is watching our every move, but others around us. The world is reaching a time equivalent of that of Minority Report, or 1984; the only difference being, we still consider that art, and not an uncanny valley that is too close to home.

One big question that no one has quite asked yet, what is the next natural progression for society? To ensure our safety and own personal freedoms? (I'm avoiding any political statements, that's not what this blog is about, we're here to talk about software.) What is the next natural progression for software? Not just freedom to do what is desired of the software, but freedom as a people from the eyes behind the screen, glued to your every move. Enter GNU/Linux and the Free Software Foundation.

Spearheaded by the infamous Richard Stallman, this is a group often referred to as whacko. Know for their unrelenting requirment of choice and freedom with no exceptions. There is no gradual or residual. Now, or die. Richard Stallman has been know to say so himself, that he would prefer much more a company die than be simply Open Source. (There's a difference between Free Software and Open Source. Check Here for more information.)

As I am typing this down, I have finished converting my once Arch Linux computer into a 100% bonafide FSF approved Parabola GNU/Linux. It was a simple enough process, painless, and exciting to realize just how much of the software I have been using is actually already Free!

"Why switch to Free Software though? Windows (or OS X) are what I know!"

Well, I'm proud you would ask me, of all people, the important questions of many computer users today. 

The answer is quite simple too: because it's safe. Also, the number of excuses for not switching are exponentially shrinking. A huge excuse people used to put on the Holy Gnu's head was that the software that was required, couldn't be replaced. I sit here, trying to think of a occupation that would prevent one from using Linux, and am coming up empty. It's perfect for Developers, IT specialists, Writers, Mathemeticians, Artists, Film-makers, etc., etc.

"Well, I don't care if the world sees what I do! I have nothing to hide!"

While that may be true, my nudist reader, it doesn't mean it is morally correct. How would you feel if I just walked in to your home, started reading your mail, posed as you while talking to your friends and family, and gave all the information I take from you in confidence to the authorities (or ad agencies)? An important factor, is to remember, that even though these things happen on the internet, it is still all very real. Social Media (such as Facebook, and Google+) are information hogs, farming people, to make money. In a later post, I am going to approach this, by showing just how much information Facebook will share with you, about yourself. It's scary.

In the end, I urge you to look into the words that Richard Stallman uses when interviewed, or sharing his knowledge. Many of the things he says can seem absurdly outlandish, or just stupid, but upon looking beyond the veil 'Big Brother' puts over our eyes, you will find just how much sense it all makes.

P.S.

I figured I would chime in before someone got the big idea to bring it up, I realize that I have a Google account, a Facebbok, and a Twitter, I use an Android phone, post on Instagram, and so forth. I get it, but that's not what this post is about, that's getting political. We all have our own political views, and unless it is explicitly asked of me, I'm leaving my political opinions out of this. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SOFTWARE FREEDOM DAMNIT. Although I do understand just how hard it is to stay out of politics, when you're talking about Free Software and Big Data, but it's the most important factor for the lay.