The GNU/Linux User Show #13!
The GNU/Linux User Show #013 (MP3 -24.2MB 70min 30sec)
MP3: LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
OGG: LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
This week’s show consists of an interview I had with Richard M Stallman (RMS). Amongst other things, RMS is the founder of both the GNU Project and the Free Software Foundation.
This show presents an opportunity to learn a little bit about the heritage of GNU/Linux and some background about ‘free as in speech’ software.
GNU Project here
Richard’s homepage here
Guardian article on RMS’s take on the EU Software Patent issue.
GNU Java Project
UTUTO: a GNU/Linux distro that has only free software in it here
We’re now on Podcast Pickle! If you like the show, why not give us a vote? (link)
There is no contest question this show. It seems kind of ironic to give away a Windows enabler application on a show featuring RMS. There will be a contest this week though, stay tuned to the blog for your chance to win a Win4Lin license!
Note: At one point during our conversation, we talked about Skype. RMS would like people to know that Skype is not free software and he asks that people do not use it.
Show Forums: here
Kelly Penguin Girl’s website: here
Intro voice by Bob Taylor Productions: here
Intro/Outro music by Mirror Shades: here
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:51 am
Hi there,
(first time writer)
I have been listening eversince your first show! Keep up the good work, I really enjoy the content you provide. Firstly I have to say I agree with the objectives of the GNU foundation in principal. But, RMS often shoots himself in the foot. I find myself agreeing with him and then he just comes out and rubs you up the wrong way. He is an aragant man at times with little time for people who dont know a great deal the GNU foundation.
And most people do associate FREE with beer before they do with freedom. 90% of users will not be altering any source code and submitting it back to the authors. So should you stop a user using non GPL software if it is not free as in freedom? Most people come to linux initially because it is free as in beer and something different/secure and unique to try. Anyway enough of my rantings thanks for producing a great show do keep up the good work.
John Mills
September 2nd, 2005 at 5:34 am
Hi John,
Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for stopping by the blog. Glad you enjoy the show - we have a lot of fun doing it.
I’m with you - I agree with the GNU rules of freedom in principal, but I have a hard time drawing a solid line from the ideal to real life. I know intellectually that it can be done, I just have no faith that it will be done.
I agree that the 4 freedoms don’t apply to everyone, but I also think that at least two of them apply to everyong: the freedom to run the application and the freedom to share it. I agree that developers are likley the only ones that would want to exercise the freedom to examine and modify it, but pretty much everyone will want to run it and a lot of people will want to share it.
Those are the freedoms that mean the most to me. I can share anything on my computer that I want with anyone I want because it’s all GPL’d (OK - there may be a few little bad apple applications on my machine - I haven’t vetted the entire thing).
I’m not a developer, but I can code and every now and again I do make a small mod to an application. That’s nice for me, but only because I have the knowledge to do so. If I had no idea how to code then that freedom would mean nothing to me. I would still want to run and share it though :)
I got into GNU/Linux for exactly the reasons you state: free as in beer, more secure, and the geek factor. Once the noise settled for me, though, I became interested in why so many people have spent so much time and so much money to make this thing. That’s when I stumbled across RMS, the GNU Project and the Free Software Foundation.
At the very least - it’s a fascinating concept…
Thanks again!
Jon
October 29th, 2005 at 8:12 pm
Hi Jon,
from the GNU/Linux Users group in Waitaha/Canterbury, New Zealand. Have just downloaded the rms.ogg/mp3 for playback at our meeting. We have been going almost one year now, and are very happy to see you are a GNU/Linux User too. Keep up the great work.
As RMS says, GNU/Linux was no accident fortuitous for latter day Users, but the product of community response.to privatised (non-free) UNIX code. Free software requires work to keep it free, and like RMS, Linus has sure done his share. Now it is up to the rest of us to support them in keeping the public pool open /-source.
We’ll keep an eye on your channel. Suggestion: FreeBSD?
All the best,
Rik
October 30th, 2005 at 6:29 am
Hi Rik,
Wow…playing my show at a meeting - that’s quite an honour, thanks!
The origins on GNU/Linux sure are fascinating. I love how the community is always coming together to develop new and wonderful things.
FreeBSD: I can honestly say that I’ve never had a GNU/Linux user ask me about FreeBSD. Doesn’t that get you drummed out of the community?
:)
I may approach FreeBSD one day, but I don’t forsee that happening soon. I mean, after all, this is the GNU/Linux user show :)
J