People's Informative

Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) is a prime example of anarchism in action.  Operating systems like Linux and FreeBSD allow computer users complete freedom in their use of their hardware.  In short: If your hardware can do it, FOSS operating systems will allow you to do it.  While this may not seem to be an issue, ask a serious computer user.  They will tell you that Microsoft and Macintosh both charge exorbitant fees in order for users to modify their source code.

So what, you may be saying.  You are not interested in modifying source code, and in all sincerity why would you.  Your computer works, so who cares?  Well the reason why you should care, as an anarchist, is because FOSS is, for the most part, entirely community supported.  That means that if you need something fixed, a new feature added, or something removed, you either need to do it yourself or seek the assistance of other community members.  Most FOSS programs/operating systems rely entirely on mutual aid in order to function.

There are countless reasons to use FOSS.  Some choose to use it because unlike commercial software, it is legally available free of charge.  Still others enjoy the enhanced customization possibilities, and some do it simply because they prefer the user interface of FOSS to that of commercial alternatives.  But whatever the reason for using FOSS, every person who does so enhances the community and takes the world one step closer to a world without plutocrats like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.

If you are still unsure about whether FOSS is right for you, search the web to your hearts content.  Odds are that you will find the answer to every question you think to ask, and if you don’t, well feel free to contact us!  One of us (I won’t tell you which) uses only FOSS, and would be more than glad to help you on the road to digital freedom!

If you are convinced, but don’t know where to start, here are some helpful projects for you to consider.  All of them are windows compatible, and can be installed on any computer without experiencing any kind of program interference with the programs they are designed to replace (meaning if you don’t like it you can always go back):

The Mozilla Project
Odds are you already know these guys. Firefox is quickly taking down Internet Explorer, and for good reason.  Not only is it mostly FOSS, Firefox renders websites better, is safer, and completely free.  Thunderbird is their anti-Microsoft Outlook.  Most features remain the same, along with many new features enhancing the usefulness of this program. Songbird offers those who wish to escape the tyranny of iTunes DRM a familiar interface and similar features.

Pidgin
Offering support for nearly every known instant message protocol, Pidgin is superior to most commercial IM clients for one main reason: no ads.  Programs like AIM put ads on your computer, often slowing down other programs or using valuable bandwidth.  By using Pidgin you not only make it more difficult for unwanted third parties to follow you, but you are also ridding your computer of those pesky ads.  But the best part, by far, is being able to chat with friends using AOL, GMail, Skype, MSN, and IRC all through the same program.

Amarok
Once only available on Linux, this iTunes killer is now available on Windows.  While features like Last.fm compatibility and smart play list have made their way to iTunes and other commercial media players, Amarok has had these features for some time, along with a number of other useful features which apparently have yet to make the jump.  MP3 support is nearly universal, with the obvious exception of iPod Touch and the iPhone (all other iPods are supported).  All known non-iPod mp3 players are supported.  Amarok also supports most known file types, meaning you can finally listen to those .flac files of John Coltrane you have been saving for a rainy day.

Operating  Systems
While the above programs offer a lot of freedom to those who choose to use them, some people may not be satiated and want more freedom.  So, for those who are looking for it, here are some Linux distributions for you to try.  They are listed in order of ease of use:

• LinuxMint: LinuxMint is an offshoot of the Ubuntu distribution.  Designed with ease of use in mind, this operating system is designed to be installed and run by someone who knows absolutely nothing about computers.
• Ubuntu: Considered by some the king of Linux, Ubuntu has the most active support community, excellent hardware compatibility, and is well within the reach of anyone with even a very basic knowledge of computers.
• BLAG: A distribution created by the Brixton Linux Action Group (get it?).  It is 100% free of commercial software, licenses, and drivers.  It is created by anarchist for anarchists, but is also notoriously difficult to work with.  For experienced hackers only.

It is worth noting that all of these operating systems can be installed on your computer without removing the existing OS.  That means that if you want to try your hand at Linux, but don’t want to run the risk of losing computer availability, you can install Linux while still keeping your “old” Windows or OS X computer.

Share and enjoy!