First, I want to say, that I have never really analysed before the real difference between Open Source and free software. Practical and selfish as I am, I have both used free software and open source software. I have thought about how these softs actually are developed, but I haven't really gotten to research that.
Free software methodology was the first one - those who are with it are the ones who participated in creating new understanding of what and how can be done - that proprietary software is not the only solutions and it often might not be the best solution, especially for average internet/computer user.
Freedom is what Free Software developers want to talk about. Although they keep quiet about it often, because it doesn't fit good with companies (big companies that could use free software as well). For them the word "free" alone works a lot better than mentioning any ideology behind development. It's still needed that those who use free software would start to understand more about the message behind it. But this "free software" name causes trouble. "The open source guys" think that open is much better word and phrase and helps to conquer the corporated world much better.
It seems that Free software is not only about single programs but about making a bigger system work together, that is often rerrred as Linux - although Linux is also program and part of the bigger system GNU. Open source is not so much about making a big system with smaller parts, but the overall programs and the idea that the more people get access to source code, the quicker bugs can be repaired and best solutions will come.
Open source is managed the way that every person who wants to participate should have access. Free software searches for the best developers who will start to work with needed details in the programs or the programs itself. With open source it's easier for people to start getting knowledge about programming and the software itself with smaller steps test and learn from one's experiences. Bot ideologies still get a lot of information and interaction from irc chats and forums where developers even from different sides around the world can discuss about best solutions and give advice and ask questions.
In overall, there is a difference between these 2 parties that deserve a lot of credit for the things that the do. But an average internet/computer user doesn't get the difference. The products from Open Source and Free Software guys are the same for an average internet user - especially if they are both free (open source doesn't have to be, but usually still is). But this average internet user can also be fooled really easily by these big corporates that make them feel like only their programs are the ones needed. These corporations have the needed money for marketing and creating "norms" - things that seem normal and accepted by society.
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