Free as in speech and some things even free as in beer.


As mentioned in a recent Linux foundation video, there is so much software available for the open source world it boggles the mind. The software is not just for the desktop but servers, embedded systems, routers and whole lot more. Not only that you get the source code in most cases so you can change it yourself to fit your needs. Everyone knows that one size does not fit all. Take for instance the proprietary world where you get nickeled and dimed to death with every software add-on. Excepting until recently even the proprietary operating systems required a tax so to speak. Open source has the competition changing their tune. so they can compete.


Then you can consider open source options. Options you can install with linux without paying an extra penny not to mention the terminal server also,

$ tasksel --list-tasks
i desktop    Debian desktop environment
u web-server    Web server
u print-server    Print server
u database-server    SQL database
u dns-server    DNS Server
u file-server    File server
u mail-server    Mail server
i ssh-server    SSH server
u laptop    Laptop





Many people now are wanting to get away from software taxes by opting to go with open source software instead of the traditional possibly expensive proprietary software. With proprietary, in most cases  you do not get the source code so you can make changes when and if needed. That is like saying you can not work on your own devices such as a lawnmower. Seems like you have to get either a new license or a new version every ten minutes or so, you have to deal with the complex limited licensing of proprietary software.  That can lead to some legal entanglements if you are not careful.  Many people now are wanting to get away from software taxes by opting to go with open source software instead of the traditional possibly expensive proprietary software. When you mention having to keep up with  product keys,  people shriek. Most cases they are not needed for open source software.


One thing I like about open source is you can leverage your older hardware to have a larger ROI (Return on investment) meaning you may not have to purchase new hardware every ten minutes. We are still using equipment from the 1990's for special purposes such as linux training. They run the same linux newer machines do! It is even used as a web server.




If you are a company that has a tight bottom line, ask yourself how much do you pay for proprietary licenses? Then ask yourself if you went open source how much would that save you?  One word of caution, please do not give up your present systems till you see what really will work.


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