201
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] DemBoSain@midwest.social 15 points 3 days ago

Please explain. How is FOSS not also freeware?

[-] secret300@lemmy.sdf.org 29 points 3 days ago

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeware

Unlike with free and open-source software, which are also often distributed free of charge, the source code for freeware is typically not made available.

[-] peregus@lemmy.world 21 points 3 days ago

Unlike with free and open-source software, which are also often distributed free of charge, the source code for freeware is typically not made available.

It clearly says "typically", which includes the software that does open source the code.

[-] ganymede@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

when you feel up to reading the word after "typically" feel free to modify the attitude

[-] peregus@lemmy.world 12 points 2 days ago

What kind of attitude?

the source code for freeware is typically not made available

Typically it different than never. It means that sometimes the source code is made available and is the case of FOSS.>

[-] ganymede@lemmy.ml 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

edit: it just occurred to me you may not be a native english speaker, in which case i apologise. "typically not" means it usually doesn't happen.


For anyone who's wondering (from the GIMP manual)

The GIMP is not freeware

GIMP er ikkje såkalla “freeware”

El GIMP no es freeware

GIMP non è freeware

GIMP n'est pas un freeware

[-] DemBoSain@midwest.social 8 points 2 days ago

Sorry, none of those are true.

-GIMP is freeware.

-It's also open source.

-It's also free to distribute.

-It's free to modify.

-It's even free to sell, as long as you include the source code.

[-] ganymede@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

-GIMP is freeware.

did you source that from the GIMP documentation? because it very much appears you didn't. (please link to the direct quote if i'm wrong).

in contrast my quote comes directly from page 4 of their own PDF User Manual which very clearly states:

The GIMP is not freeware

personally i'll go with what GIMP says in their own manual. you're welcome to believe whatever thing you wish - enjoy.

[-] folkrav@lemmy.ca 9 points 3 days ago

Interesting. I interpreted this definition more like an oval vs. circle distinction. The vast majority of ovals aren’t circles, but circles are a subset of ovals.

[-] stray@pawb.social 1 points 2 days ago

Making me realize Spongebob isn't even square.

[-] __Lost__@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 days ago
[-] stray@pawb.social 1 points 2 days ago

They aren't though. They're rectangular at the top and then have cylinders coming out the bottom. I think the heels of his shoes might be square on the bottom.

[-] Hadriscus@lemm.ee 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Spongebob Prismaticocylindricalpants doesn't have the same ring to it

[-] Flagstaff@programming.dev 9 points 3 days ago

Interesting, didn't know that. Ironically, I've unintentionally followed this definition anyway because I think open-source is so incredible that I always describe FOSS as specifically FOSS, not "just" freeware.

In fact, I've pivoted so strongly to FOSS as of late that I haven't even said the word "freeware" in... years... dang...

[-] balder1993@programming.dev 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

I think we’re naturally a bit suspicious of freeware as “misleading” because so many old software used to be just vectors to install malware (mostly spam) alongside it. At least for me, I only trust it either if it is open source or it has a sustainable business model.

[-] Hadriscus@lemm.ee 2 points 2 days ago

yea, "freeware" has that suspicious connotation to me as well. The mark of an era

[-] beyond@linkage.ds8.zone 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Different senses of "free." "Free software" refers to freedom, not price. "Freeware" refers to price, not freedom.

"Freeware" typically has the connotation of being proprietary but it doesn't have to be. Most people call actual free software "free software," "FOSS," or "open source." I think this is a side effect of proprietary being the assumed default.

There is a misunderstanding that "FOSS" means it is freeware and open source. You can see that misunderstanding even in this thread.

[-] Cyclist@lemmy.world 5 points 3 days ago

You pay for it by interfering in corporate profits and therefore innovation! Linux stole from Microsoft! And because they did we now have Windows 11.

I hope I don't need a slash s?

this post was submitted on 17 Mar 2025
201 points (100.0% liked)

Open Source

34814 readers
531 users here now

All about open source! Feel free to ask questions, and share news, and interesting stuff!

Useful Links

Rules

Related Communities

Community icon from opensource.org, but we are not affiliated with them.

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS