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Robin Cornelius wrote: > I agree with this, if you have to use non free then do so. If you have > a choice then use free. But where you can make a difference if if you > have to use non free then campaign to get free. Write a *polite* email > to the manufacture, help with any projects working on a free driver > for your device (even testing and documentation updates are helpful). > Most devices get a free driver in the end. I've been deleting this thread unread as I generally can't be bothered with getting embroiled in arguments for/against proprietary software. I go by the old engineer's maxim of 'If it works, use it!' and so yes some of my system does use proprietary software/drivers. I don't have the time (or inclination) to waste writing endless emails to deaf manufacturers coercing them to allow open development of their drivers. I tried that with Pinnacle after they started using a proprietary chip on their DC10 cards. My emails were not even *answered* much less given any encouragement. The end goal is to get new users onto Linux. As the userbase increases *that* will push manufacturers to open up their drivers. Money talks and while Linux has a small following manufacturers won't see it as commercially viable to bother with the investment. However as the users increase more manufacturers will come onboard. Letter writing is pecking at a stone. Increasing the userbase is wearing it away by erosion. I agree with everything Tom Brough said in his email. We as a community need to entice people into Linux, not coerce them, and certainly not scare them off with demands that they never touch a single piece of proprietary code. What about the thousands who use WINE? They are using it specifically in order to run proprietary software that is not available in Linux. Are they going to be told 'You must not use that software', many of whom are running essential business applications? Bottom line is what Tom said; If you are happy with your system, that's all that matters. In the same vein as religion, I strenuously object to people who try to convert me to their way of thinking, with Linux as soon as I hear someone say 'You can't use anything other than free software' my reply is 'Just watch me. If the open source community cannot provide the answer to a need then I will go elsewhere.' End of sport. Kind regards, Julian -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/linux_adm/list-faq.html