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| Open Source: It's about Choice. | |
| Submitted by BlakJak on 23 Oct 2008 - 2:53pm | Local |
| Noted today was that Linux.net.nz got a hit in on Stuff.co.nz. Thanks to Owen Payne for painting a reasonably sane picture about the benefits that the Open Source community bring to the IT world. Seems like an obvious opportunity to remind folks of the New Zealand Open Source Society, a group who exist to promote and advocate the use of Open Source within New Zealand. The NZOSS has been very active lately, having sponsored the New Zealand Open Source Awards (held recently in Wellington) and continuing to be involved in important issues such as the upcoming changes to the Copyright Act (which affects all of us). There's never been a better time to express your right to choose; to exert control over your own IT world. Linux is an excellent example of an operating system that puts the power in your hands. You can choose to utilise closed (free or non-free) file formats and proprietary standards if you wish, but pay attention to the risks involved. The alternative is to use open standards - where any system compliant with the standard can be used. This extends further your ability to choose platform, operating system and more. It is well accepted by all but the most enthusiastic of F/OSS/GNU/Linux fans out there that most people have cause to use all manner of platforms during the course of their day, whether they're Linux, BSD or Commercial-OS based. The same applies for your Desktop Publishing apps, your image manipulation tools and your media players. So regardless of the platform you choose, make sure the choice is right for your needs both now and in the future. Open Standards are your best shot for ensuring continuity of access to your own work. Open Source Software is generally written to work with Open Standards. The choice should be easy. | |
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