I know, “Choose Freedom” sounds a bit melodramatic–after all, we are talking about just software here–but I do think it is that important. Software is the way we interact with computers, and computers contain our personal information, they guide how we manipulate our data, and they provide the basis for modern communication.

It’s important that we preserve certain rights and foster attitudes that encourage an open way of working with our computers and data that we own, so that we retain our privacy, rights, and freedoms.  In my opinion, one of the best ways to do this is use and encourage others to use Open Source Software.

Open Source Software is software than anyone can modify to suit their needs. The source code is completely open for anyone to view or submit changes to.  Advantages of Open Source software include:

• Better security – More people see flaws, so they actually get fixed faster, or never even make it into final releases.
• More user-focused – The Open Source model allows for direct communication between the developer of applications and the application’s users. Development on popular applications also tends to go a bit faster than their commercial counterparts.
• More control of your data – The Open Source model doesn’t encourage file formats that can only be opened in one application (e.g., Microsoft Doc files) and if they do have a specific file format, the great thing is that the source code is available, so if and when a project does cease to exist, you’ll still be able to get your data out.

All that being said, I am not a zealot, I understand there are practical concerns like:

• There’s not an Open Source application for every thing you want/need to do.
• It can be difficult to make money writing OSS.

Because I think my computer-related freedoms are so important, I use Open Source Software in every possible circumstance, and I encourage you to do the same. Some of my favorite applications:

• Ubuntu Linux – an easy to use, beautiful operating system–for most people, this is a complete replacement for Windows or Mac OS.
• OpenOffice.org – a great alternative to Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org is a complete office suite with an easy to use word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, and more.
• Firefox Web Browser – More secure and better featured than Internet Explorer, Firefox is rapidly becoming the world’s most popular browser.
• Ardour – This digital audio workstation allows me to replace ProTools for virtually every audio related task. Combine Ardour with other OSS apps like  Audacity and Rosegarden, and I have a complete, yet open home studio.
• MuseScore – One the best free music notation editors out there. While it’s not a full replacement for Sibelius or Finale (yet!), I have yet to need anything else for my graduate composition work. Other notable editors to take a look at are NtEd and Denemo.

Did I mention that most of this software runs on Linux, Windows, and Mac? And that all I’ve listed here is available–legally–completely free of charge?

Think about it. Choose freedom.

For more information on how Linux and Open Source Software helps protect our rights and make our lives better, you might want to browse this page.