1 reply to this topic

[Neon]

Ok so we all know Open Source is offered for free to users, there are many typical examples of Open source like Linux OS, Open Office e.t.c

So how would people make money from something they give for free?

I quote: ''The source code may be free, but there is gold in software support, training and publishing''.

Do you think Open source should be given for free and supported for free or do you think charging for support/training e.t.c is ok?

[Linoman]

The whole understanding of Open Source software is free is quite often misunderstood. Free doesn't always mean (hey I can get this for free and someone will help me if I run into problems for free) it is rather that the source code of the product is available and alterations can be made to it. As long as the original makers get the credit for original making the product and allowing it to be altered.

Do I think all open source software should be free to buy, well it would be nice but that’s not really possible. Look at Suse Linux 10 you can either buy it and it comes with all supported codec’s (has mp3 support by default etc) or you can download the free OpenSuse which doesn't have all those codec’s but you can add them for yourself. In a case like that I think its very fair if you really want convenience you must pay for it. These companies must make money some how.

If an open source product is available, but for a fee, I will pay for it as long as it benefits more than just the business. On the other hand there is a lot of open source software that is free and is great to use.