Software Freedom Day to be marked in Melbourne

Sam Varghese
Thursday, 02 September 2010 12:41

Opinion and Analysis

Software Freedom Day, a day observed worldwide to spread the message of free and open source software, will be marked in Melbourne on September 18 from 11am to 4pm at the State Library of Victoria.

Organised by the Linux Users of Victoria, the main user group in the state, the day will feature talks on the concept of free software and its importance, the distribution of works under licences that promote sharing and re-use, and the use of free software in businesses.

There will also be demonstrations to show visitors how to install GNU/Linux and free software, and games and educational software for children will be on display.

Volunteer Ben Sturmfels explains that free software embodies four freedoms: the freedom to use the software for any purpose, the freedom to study and modify it, the freedom to distribute copies, either gratis or for payment, and the freedom to distribute modified copies.

"The free software movement cites ethical benefits such as the freedom to control your computing. The open source movement cites practical benefits such as security," he said in a media release.

"Free software refers to freedom, not price. It is perfectly acceptable to sell copies of free software. Importantly, when distributing free software, the freedoms you received must be passed on to the recipient."

The event is being sponsored by Multimedia Victoria, VicNet, LUV and Linux Australia.