What are the "beliefs of Linux"

[aragorn2909]

The above question has been posed in another thread, and I would like to attempt to answer it here. For me, Linux equals freedom, democracy, tolerance, and diversity. Linux is (or can be) the manifestation of the virtues of a "computing enlightenment".

Now open for discussion

[az]

Read the Cathedral and the Bazaar, by Eric Raymond.

[Knome_fan]

I don't think there is something one could call the "believes of Linux", nor should there be, it's not a religion after all and you say yourself it's diversity is one of Linux' most important features.

Now that is not to say that people involved with Linux, or rather GNU/Linux (scnr) don't have something one could call believes.
For example the whole Free Software Movement of course has something one could call "believes", but the Open Source Movement has others again, while IBM sure couldn't care less about believes.

To sum it up, I think this whole topic is rather meaningless.

[WirelessMike]

It's old.. but good. REALLY good.

**linkage**

[dataw0lf]

Linux means easier development and administration *shrug* I love open source, release all my applications as such, but I'm a pragmatist.

[Jason-X]

Richard Stallman sums things up nicely here:

http://www.freesmug.org/Video/rms

"Church of emacs" anyone?

[jeremy]

I see it as music:

Linux = Jazz
Mac = Classical
Windows = Pop

I love Jazz!

[aragorn2909]

I don't think there is something one could call the "believes of Linux", nor should there be, it's not a religion after all and you say yourself it's diversity is one of Linux' most important features.

Thank you Knome_fan, I should have clarified that to begin with. I'm interested in what individuals believe the "beliefs of Linux" to be, as opposed to something like an official "Linux Mission Statement" that tells you what the beliefs are. Entirely personal, open for interpretation.

[poptones]

I know this is going to get a big ol' groan, but it's important to note the GPL is what we as a community rely upon. Copyright is the GPL's walking papers. Copyright is what prevents linux developers from becoming unwitting Windows and Adobe developers.

Ergo, a fundamental "belief" of anyone who truly walks the walk must be a strong defense and respect of copyright.

[Stormy Eyes]

Copyright is what prevents linux developers from becoming unwitting Windows and Adobe developers.

The BSD people don't seem to mind.