There is a “Me” part in it but also a “You” part.
The “Me” part
I started using open source with one of the best known Open Source Software tools: Open Office.org. I started using it after the first release. It was the time of Windows 98. And out of curiosity I started using this new open source office suite. And bit by bit I start up MS Office less often and defaulted to Open Office.org (http://www.openoffice.org).
As a browser/mailer I used a very long time Mozilla until it was inevitable to use Firefox/Thunderbird.
Then came the time that I didn't use MS Office at all! Why?Because the power that lies in this software. Examples: the PDF-export button, just open a textfile while using a spreadsheet.
After a while I started thinking about Linux. Again out of curiosity. What is it? What does it do? And after a while I installed Linux on one of my PC's.
What did I find? Well, at first, it was a pain because I had to find a way to start my USB Internet connection. After I found out how to work around this problem I could normally use my PC and for nearly every need there is a solution.
But what you find in Windows is is that you are restricted in what you are allowed to do with your PC. It is for example a pain to use certain media files.
Have you ever tried to install Windows ánd all the software and drivers you need? This is a hassle because you have to install all the software bit by bit. In Linux it is mostly one click away.
And after a few years of experience I found that a linux computer does more with less and greater ease of use which results in a greater productivity.
That's the “me” part of it but there is a “you” part in it.
The “you” part
If I use opensource software I can share it with you! I am legally allowed to copy my Linux DVD and give it to you so you can install Linux. This is explicitly prohibited with Windows.
Another expample : I use some software where I found there wasn't a Dutch translation. Well: make it yourself! Have you ever tried this with Microsoft? Or Apple for that matter?
I can help YOU by sharing my knowledge! That's the greatest part of opensource!
So after nearly 10 years is the most important thing about OpenSource Software : sharing. I am legally allowed to share my software and ideas with you.
Conclusion
Where does this lead to? What I found in the last 10 years:
- I have a greater productivity using opensource tools than using ANY other closedsource tool. Be it office productivity or converting for example media files.
- The mindset of the software ánd the communities around it gives more freedom to experiment with the software and make it better
- There is more choice in opensource software which enhances my productivity.
- Opensource software serves you instead of the big companies behind other closed source software.
Openoffice.org : www.openoffice.org
Firefox/Thunderbird : www.mozilla.org
