[smc-discuss] Free software and opensource software

[aboobacker sidheeque mk]

Practically almost all opensource softwares are free softwares, and
vice versa. But theorectically these are entirly different conceps

Free software theory says If you buy a software, you must have
complete right on it

ie, You must able to use, study, modify and redistribute

Open source is a different idea, open source enthusiasts believe that
s/w will be good if sourcecode is public, because any one can see and
suggest modification, and modules in existing s/w can be used in new
software. Hence it is efficient and more productive

In other words free s/w is a philosophy and open source is a
development approach