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Stallman Unsure Whether Firefox Is Truly Free

Slatterz writes "Among the theories Stallman bandies about in this Q&A are: Facebook may not share private data with the CIA, Firefox isn't really 'free software,' and his dreams of a day where nobody is involved in developing or promoting proprietary software. Agree or disagree?"

5 of 905 comments (clear)

  1. Re:well, this part makes me wonder if I can share by MindlessAutomata · · Score: 1, Troll

    It's called, "communism".

  2. Brilliant but clueless by Billly+Gates · · Score: 0, Troll

    What kind of freedom do I lose by using a GNU browser? Does one exist?

    Oh yeah there is Konqueror. It requires me uninstall Windows Vista, give up on ms office, wow, and many apps and use an os that is not supported fully by my laptop. I lose wifi, sound, lan, and 3d graphics. I would have to purchase an expensive mobile wifi card by sprint or verizon which is against the spirit of free software.

      Oh that is right its my fault for buying a laptop that is not fully supported, but Linux or Gnu Turd is the saint and why is not everyone using? I do not have time nor should the average user care to look up every device in every computer for excellent linux driver support. Most stores wont give out all the hardware detail anyway for things like the 5-1 card reader. THe average Joe will just shake his head and prefer Windows after hearing about hardware support and blaming the user for problems with GNU/Linux.

    Linux is great in the server room but not for the average Joe for the reasons I dscribe above. Installing Linux or other GNU software does lose time and freedom for people who want to get work done and use their equipment. Windows already comes with the price so they might as well use it. Install and work and have no problems.

    After all of this I then end up with a browser that sucks and can't support sites like my bank and my schools outlook program.

    Time is money. If free as in GNU is inferior and costs time then its not worth the free price.

    Also in business I need things done and I do not care about freedom. Free things cost money to implement and support and I am willing to pay $$$ off of my employers dime if it helps us achieve the required results. RMS does not understand economics 101.

    Firefox is both opensource and free to download and offers little drawbacks. In my opinion its freerer than the GNU alternatives.

    I will take firefox with its source code anyday.

    Also RMS should take an economics 101 class. Money is freedom as it gives incentives for people to work and offers rewards and excellent products and support.

  3. Re:I Just Took A Huge Shit by Gundamdriver · · Score: 1, Troll

    Restricting people to open source their program is just another kind of control, and I really hate that.

  4. Re:People scoffed at my contention... by bendodge · · Score: 0, Troll

    Communist shill?

    --
    The government can't save you.
  5. Re:How are you being restricted? by bonch · · Score: 0, Troll

    It's amusing just how angry Stallman fanboys get when you criticize their beloved GPL's licensing scheme.