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Free software, free society: Richard Stallman at TEDxGeneva 2014
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Free software, free society: Richard Stallman at TEDxGeneva 2014

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This section introduces the importance of free software and the control users have over their computers.

The Battle for Control

  • Free software is crucial for the liberation of cyberspace.
  • Users should have control over their computers, rather than being controlled by big companies.
  • A computer is a universal machine that can perform any computation based on the instructions given through a program.

Users vs Program Control

  • Two possibilities exist with software - either users control the program or the program controls the users.
  • Free software ensures that users have control over the program.
  • Four essential freedoms are needed for users to control the program.

Understanding Free Software

  • Free software respects user freedom and community.
  • "Libre" is often used to refer to free software, emphasizing freedom rather than price.
  • Freedom zero allows running the program as desired, while freedom one enables studying and modifying the source code.

Source Code and Executable

  • Programs consist of source code, which programmers write and change, and executables, which are unreadable numbers.
  • Access to source code is necessary for studying and modifying programs effectively.

Individual and Collective Control

  • With freedom zero and one, individual users can make copies of free software and modify it according to their needs.
  • Collective control involves groups of users working together to adapt programs collectively.

Redistributing Copies

  • Freedom two allows redistributing exact copies of free software without restrictions.
  • Freedom three extends this right to modified versions of the software.

Users' Control vs Program's Control

  • If any of these essential freedoms are missing, users do not have control over the program.
  • Proprietary software gives power to developers and restricts users' freedom.

Issues with Proprietary Software

  • Proprietary software can snoop on users, track them, and restrict their actions.
  • It may delete content remotely or force harmful upgrades.
  • Developers can change the software without user consent.

Power Imbalance and Profit

  • Proprietary software allows owners to exploit users for profit.
  • Conferences discuss ways to take advantage of users through proprietary software.

Conclusion

  • Most users of proprietary software are using proprietary malware.
  • Free software is essential for empowering users and ensuring their freedom.

The Birth of GNU/Linux

Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel, which completed the first full system that could run on a PC. This system was called GNU/Linux. However, there are now over a thousand different distributions of GNU/Linux, some of which include non-free software.

  • Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel, creating the first complete system for PCs called GNU/Linux.
  • There are now over a thousand different distributions of GNU/Linux.
  • Some distributions include non-free software, compromising freedom.

Sacrifices for Freedom

While some GNU/Linux distributions are entirely free software, many include non-free software added by maintainers who prioritize convenience over freedom. To maintain freedom, sacrifices may need to be made.

  • Some GNU/Linux distributions are entirely free software, while others include non-free software.
  • Maintainers who prioritize convenience often add non-free software to their distributions.
  • Sacrifices may need to be made to maintain freedom and use only free distros.

Inconveniences for Freedom

In order to preserve freedom when using GNU/Linux, users may have to make certain sacrifices and endure inconveniences such as giving up certain applications or dealing with websites that send non-free JavaScript programs.

  • Users may have to give up certain applications in order to maintain freedom.
  • Websites often send non-free JavaScript programs which can be blocked using LibreJS.
  • Users may experience inconveniences in their pursuit of freedom but should prioritize it over convenience.

Cloud Computing and Control

Cloud computing services can take away control over one's computing and data. While many web servers run on GNU/Linux and other free software, it is important to prioritize individual computer freedom rather than relying solely on company-owned servers.

  • Cloud computing services can take away control over one's computing and data.
  • Many web servers run on GNU/Linux and other free software, but individual computer freedom is crucial.
  • Prioritizing individual computer freedom is essential, as people deserve freedom above all else.

Overcoming Obstacles

There are several obstacles to advancing the cause of free software. Big companies that profit from user control oppose progress, mainstream media often avoids discussing ethical issues related to free software, and schools often teach non-free software instead of promoting independence and cooperation.

  • Big companies that profit from user control hinder progress in the free software movement.
  • Mainstream media tends to avoid discussing ethical issues related to free software.
  • Schools should prioritize teaching free software to promote independence and cooperation.

The Importance of Terminology

The term "open source" is often used by the mainstream media as a substitute for discussing the ethical aspects of free software. However, it is important to emphasize the concept of freedom when advocating for free software.

  • The mainstream media uses the term "open source" instead of discussing the ethical aspects of free software.
  • Emphasizing freedom when advocating for free software is crucial.
  • Using the term "free software" helps promote awareness and understanding of its importance.

Teaching Free Software in Schools

Schools play a significant role in shaping future generations' understanding and use of technology. By teaching free software in schools, students can learn how programs work and develop a spirit of goodwill by sharing their knowledge with others.

  • Schools should teach free software to prepare students for living in a strong, independent society.
  • Students studying non-free programs cannot fully understand how they work due to withheld knowledge.
  • Teaching free software promotes goodwill and sharing among students.

Hardware and Free Software

Some hardware manufacturers do not provide the necessary information to write free software for their products, limiting users' freedom. Reverse engineering can be a solution, but it requires significant effort and technical expertise.

  • Some hardware manufacturers withhold information necessary for writing free software.
  • Reverse engineering can help overcome this limitation but requires extensive knowledge and effort.
  • Upholding user freedom often involves overcoming obstacles related to hardware compatibility.

Free Software as Human Rights

Free software is essential for protecting human rights in the digital age. Contributing to the development of free software, advocating for its adoption in schools and governments, and assisting others in using it are all ways to support the cause of freedom.

  • Free software is among the human rights that society must establish and protect.
  • Contributing to free software development and advocating for its adoption are important actions.
  • Assisting others in using free software helps promote freedom and protect human rights.
Video description

It is the first TEDx talk of the founder of Free Software movement. Stallman, RMS for short, has changed the world with his vision of freedom for the digital age. He launched the GNU operating system, used with Linux as a component, and inspired the development of Creative Commons licences and Wikipedia project. In this talk, Stallman describes how nonfree programs give companies control of their users and what users can do in order to recover control over their computing. Licence: Creative Commons BY-SA-ND 3.0 CREDITS : Drawings under CC-BY-ND 3.0 created by Christian Nogareda (Kwis, Http://kwis.tumblr.com) & Valentin Pasquier (http://utopiqdream.deviantart.com) based on ideas of Richard Stallman, by himself & Ynternet.org foundation. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)