MESSAGE
| DATE | 2007-11-11 |
| FROM | Kevin Mark
|
| SUBJECT | Re: [NYLXS - HANGOUT] Re: Journalist inquiry about Linux and Google
|
> > > > I am a graduate journalism student at NYU with a concentration
> > > > in Business and Economic reporting. I am currently working on a
> > > > story about Linux and Google. As the whole world knows, Google
> > > > unveiled it's Android software on Monday. The Android program
> > > > is based on Linux. I find it interesting that Google developed
> > > > mobile software before it developed software for a PC.
> > > > I also find it interesting that it is touting its open-ness.
> > > >
> > > > I got your email address from the Linux page and I saw your
> > > > website.
> > > > I'm emailing the Linux devotees like yourself. I hope you have
> > > > a few minutes to respond to some questions I have. I was
> > > > curious to know if you've ever developed applications for Linux.
> > > > Also, do you think that Google's adoption of Linux as its base
> > > > for mobile software will increase Linux awareness amongst the
> > > > general populace? Do you think that Linux could become a more
> > > > readily used OS in the future? I'm a Mac user, I think I'm
> > > > using tiger or panther, whatever that means. I wanted to know
> > > > why you use Linux and what you like about it. What
> > > > differentiates it from Microsoft and Mac? And what do you think
> > > > about it being the OS of choice for this new software?
> > > >
> > > > How do you think the Linux community is treating this news?
> > > > Indifferently or with interest?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > > Jay Yarow
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/theoryb/taxonomy/term/49
Hi Jay, so far it sounds like you have not done any cursory research
about Gnu/Linux, FLOSS, etc. So you should do this so that you can have
some deeper questions to ask. But I'll try to give some background
anyway. 'Linux' is an ambiguous term as it could refer to the kernel of
most free operating systems or to the entire distribution. Most
commonly, people unfamilar with Free software call Gnu/Linux 'Linux'.
The basis of Free software(where Linux is the most visible example) is
its licensing, structure and methodology. Most Free software is
licensed under the Gnu GPL. Most of it is developed in an open,
distributed manner using Free software tools. And most Free software is
developed on open infrastrure like mailing lists and irc. Read Eric
Raymonds 'the cathedral and the bazaar' (on line) for more background.
The openness is meant to do many things: not hide bugs, to allow folks
to fix the bugs, to allow other to use your work as soon as possible,
and encourage innovation. It encourages sharing, a very important idea
to Free software folks, and community. They want knowledge not to sit in
a locked room for few to use. For this to happen, it must be licensed in
a way to allow this. Wikipedia is a stellar example of this. Free
software likes open standards and this allows everyone an equal change
to interact with other systems. Many companies like closed standards
because it perpetuates their business model, keeps their monopoly, and
disallows fair competition. This is one reason why Google uses Free
software (Free software is pervasive at Google) and chooses to use it
with its phone. Apple is trying to limit 3rd party application on its
iPhone-- not that users agree. Other companies are not. OpenMoko is
another recent Gnu/Linux based phone. BTW Apple's current OS is based
upon Free software (Bsd) and many Gnu/Linux and BSD software can run on
it.
Hope that explains,
Kev
ps. as Ruben hints, getting involved in any free software project/event
will give you a flavor of what this is about and allow you to ask more
questions.
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