“Free as in Freedom” is what FreeSoftware proponents often say, when they explain why their software is different. You have certain freedoms that proprietary software doesn’t give you. The difference between free software and open source software proponents was that free software proponents thought that the “freedom” part was the most important one. Which is also why they emphasize that moving from “free” software to “open” software, you’re muddling the issue and loosing mindshare where you want it most: Proprietary software takes away your rights that you ought to have.
These days, Microsoft seems to have accepted that free software proponents were winning this battle for our hearts and minds, and decided to muddle issues in the other direction. When you visit msn.com, and click on a video, this is what you get:
*To use this product, you need to install free software* This product requires Microsoft© Internet Explorer 6, Microsoft© Media Player 10, and Macromedia Flash 7. To download these free software applications, click the links below and follow the on-screen instructions.
Wow!
Via JohnSullivan ¹
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