I was just referring to these sentences:

Now usually when I suggest open source software people turn up their noses. They seem to think that since it’s free and non-Microsoft it must be inferior.

But for what it’s worth, I’m both a know-it-all geek and an avid fan of your blog. I’ll always be here to “clarify” (make self-important know-it-all posts).

Keep up the great work!

That’s what I love about having a blog, being able to get feedback. I am not familiar with all the terms and defintiions of open source versus free. That’s why I included the statement that I didn’t know if it were open source. Thanks for the clarification.

Ellen

First off, there are two versions of “free” software. There is software that is free in the sense that it can be procured without spending any money. There is also software that is free in the sense that users have freedom; they can do as they please with the software. Users can redistribute it as they please. Users can compile it to a different target platform as they please. Users can change the source code as they please.

The term “open source” typically refers to the fact that the source code is available for any users of the software. Just because software is open source, though, doesn’t mean that it’s free! You might have to pay to get a copy. You might not have the right to alter it. You might not have the right to share it with your friends. The only thing you’re really guaranteed is that you’ll be able to look at the source code.

Just a minor, theoretical quibble.

Also, I totally agree with you that people assume “free” software must be “low quality” software. Open Office is the perfect example of FOSS (Free, Open Source Software) that disproves that notion. Let’s keep spreading the word!

I downloaded it yesterday. It took me through some registration and I had to diable my pop ups for a bit, but yes it is available.

Ellen