[UCLA-LUG] open-source

[Mark James Fasheh]

I hack on free software because it sucks less.

Due to it's open nature, it allows me to *directly* communicate with my 'customers'.
How many proprietary programs have an about dialog listing the main developers e-mail
addresses?  The benefits of open communication with other developers is also well
documented.  Free software promotes code reuse (well, as long as the
licenses aren't all fubared), interoperability, and peer review.

Free software is also better for the consumer, because it discourages 'vendor
lock in', and promotes quick bug and security fixes. 

Most of all though, I like free software because it's fun.

I work at the Anderson School during the school year, and this summer, I'm
with VA Linux Systems (where I hack _only_ free software); who knows what I'll do next summer?  
Oh yeah, supposedly, I'm a CS undergrad.
Well, that's my rant for the day.
	--Mark

-- 
If we were meant to get up early, God would have created us with alarm clocks.
Mark James Fasheh <mfasheh@linux.ucla.edu>
President, UCLA LUG
http://www.exothermic.org