盖茨与乔布斯之争：苹果与GNU对抗，火药味十足！

盖茨与乔布斯之争：苹果与GNU对抗，火药味十足！

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction: The Importance of Free Software and the Liberation of Cyberspace
2. Understanding Free Software: Source Code and Executable
3. The Power of Control: Who Gives Instructions to Your Computer?
4. The Four Essential Freedoms of Free Software 4.1. Freedom to Run the Program as You Wish 4.2. Freedom to Study and Change the Source Code 4.3. Freedom to Give Away or Sell Exact Copies 4.4. Freedom to Do the Same with Modified Versions
5. Non-Free Proprietary Software: Lack of User Control
6. The Dangers of Proprietary Software: Malware and Surveillance
7. The History of Free Software: FSF and GNU
8. The Impact of Non-Free Software in GNU+Linux Distros
9. The Sacrifice for Freedom: Doing Without Non-Free Programs
10. Challenges and Obstacles in the Free Software Movement 10.1. Big Companies and Their Control Over Users 10.2. The Mainstream Open Source Philosophy 10.3. Non-Free Software in Schools and the Need for Education 10.4. Hardware and the Challenge of Reverse Engineering
11. The Connection Between Free Software and Human Rights
12. Ways to Contribute and Support the Free Software Movement

1. Introduction: The Importance of Free Software and the Liberation of Cyberspace

In today's digital age, the concept of free software goes beyond monetary value. It revolves around the idea of freedom and control over the technology we use. In this article, we will explore the significance of free software and the liberation of cyberspace.

2. Understanding Free Software: Source Code and Executable

To comprehend the concept of free software, we need to understand the distinction between source code and executable. Source code refers to the programming instructions written by developers, while the executable is a set of signals processed by the computer. The question arises: Who provides the instructions to your computer?

3. The Power of Control: Who Gives Instructions to Your Computer?

In the realm of software, there are two types of control: software that controls the users and software that is controlled by the users. The former restricts user freedom, while the latter empowers users. This is where free software comes into play.

4. The Four Essential Freedoms of Free Software

Free software is built upon four essential freedoms that ensure user control and freedom. These freedoms allow users to run, study, change, give away, and distribute modified versions of the software. Each freedom plays a crucial role in fostering a user-centric approach.

5. Non-Free Proprietary Software: Lack of User Control

Non-free proprietary software is the antithesis of free software. Users lack control over the program, as it is controlled by the developer. This power imbalance enables malicious functionalities and compromises user privacy and security.

6. The Dangers of Proprietary Software: Malware and Surveillance

Proprietary software often conceals Hidden dangers, such as malware and surveillance capabilities. Users unknowingly become victims of spying, data collection, and even remote interference. Examples like Amazon's deletion of books highlight the potential risks of proprietary software.

7. The History of Free Software: FSF and GNU

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has played a pivotal role in advocating for a free software world since its establishment in 1983. The FSF's revolutionary plan to develop a completely free operating system, GNU, laid the foundation for the liberating concept of free software.

8. The Impact of Non-Free Software in GNU+Linux Distros

While the GNU+Linux ecosystem offers numerous distributions, many of them contain non-free software, compromising the principles of free software. This phenomenon Stems from a lack of emphasis on freedom within certain community-maintained distros.

9. The Sacrifice for Freedom: Doing Without Non-Free Programs

Preserving user freedom requires sacrifices, no matter how small they may be. These sacrifices involve abstaining from using non-free programs and prioritizing software that adheres to the principles of freedom and control.

10. Challenges and Obstacles in the Free Software Movement

The Journey towards a free software world is not without obstacles and challenges. Big companies profiting from user control, the mainstream open-source philosophy, non-free software adoption in schools, and hardware restrictions all pose significant hindrances to the advancement of the free software movement.

11. The Connection Between Free Software and Human Rights

The freedoms encompassed by free software Align with the human rights that society must establish and protect. Understanding the connection between these two domains is crucial to upholding the values of freedom, autonomy, and privacy.

12. Ways to Contribute and Support the Free Software Movement

Contributing to the free software movement is a collective effort that requires individual actions. By writing free software, advocating for its adoption in schools and governments, helping others install and use it, and spreading the philosophical ideas behind free software, individuals can actively contribute to the cause.

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