do you use closed-source software?

[eragon100]

With the exception of multimedia codecs and restricted drivers which every sane user has installed, do you use closed-source software (like me) or are you "pure".

Just curious how many people care about open-source and the like :)

[Phil Airtime]

I have (legal) Windows XP installed in VirtualBox for the occasional use of some specialist software that doesn't play nice in Wine, but other than that it's just the standard closed-source video drivers, codecs and so on.

[Joeb454]

Simple answer - yes

I'm not going to boycott software just because it's closed source. I don't really see the point in that.

[Phil Airtime]

Simple answer - yes

I'm not going to boycott software just because it's closed source. I don't really see the point in that.

I agree. If I need to use Proprietary Software X because my work requires it, or even because it does something that Open-Source Software Z won't, then why should I use anything else just because Richard Stallman said so? He's not the boss of me. My computer's just a tool, not an ideological bastion.

[plun]

Yup, one legal XP license running with Virtualbox, mainly because of an old scanner/printer without Linux support.

I also prefer Adobes Acrobat reader.

I am also open minded about open source and for me its not important
with an GPL license, its OK with every OpenSource license. MIT, BSD and so on.

:)

[barbedsaber]

I heard this on lugradio once


I don't hate freedom, I love freedom, but I would also really like my video card to work

felt like saying it I use a bit, i'm not going to reduce my productivity by ignoring some things compleatly.

[imT]

i don't care, i just look for the best and easyest(user friendly)

[eragon100]

Good. Some sane people around here :)

Seriously, there are people who even play only open-source games. On ATI cards, because they have open-source 3d acceleration support. That they have to use old cards and can even get only half the frame rate they are capable out of them meaning they have to set nexuiz to low quality, and the fact that there are all kinds of other problems with ATI on linux doesn't seem to matter or something.

No, I am happy I don't read licenses. The formal language gives me a headache :lolflag:

Someone said 90 % of the people on these forums didn't have to be convinced to use closed-source. Looks like he was right!

[hessiess]

just the nvidia driver.

[eragon100]

Just the nvidia driver -> vote NO :popcorn:

[Phil Airtime]

Good. Some sane people around here :)

Seriously, there are people who even play only open-source games. On ATI cards, because they have open-source 3d acceleration support. That they have to use old cards and can even get only half the frame rate they are capable out of them meaning they have to set nexuiz to low quality, and the fact that there are all kinds of other problems with ATI on linux doesn't seem to matter or something.

No, I am happy I don't read licenses. The formal language gives me a headache :lolflag:

Someone said 90 % of the people on these forums didn't have to be convinced to use closed-source. Looks like he was right!

I could only play Nexuiz for five minutes or so, all the monsters scared me. :oops: What is it?!

[eragon100]

A multiplayer first person shooter, like unreal tournament. Some players probably had a monster skin applied :)

BTW, the poll is going well.

So far only two people have voted no (well, one has, and one should have :lolflag:)

[SuperSon!c]

everyday! free and paid for software - and proud of it.

[eragon100]

Paid!? Who does that :lolflag:

Although you couldn't be proud of it if everyone paid for their commercial software :KS

It seems that it isn't 90% of this forum which is "enlightened".

[Erik Trybom]

Sure, I use Opera and Skype. I also use Matlab occasionally, which I have even paid a small fee to obtain a Linux version of.

I do, however, sympathize with those who want a "clean" OS. It's a nice feeling knowing that it's all out in the open and no malicious code is secretly running on my machine.

[karellen]

Simple answer - yes

I'm not going to boycott software just because it's closed source. I don't really see the point in that.

I'm with you

[SuperSon!c]

Paid!? Who does that :lolflag:

Although you couldn't be proud of it if everyone paid for their commercial software :KS

It seems that it isn't 90% of this forum which is "enlightened".

the thread doesn't necessarily have to be directed at linux and wasn't shown to do so. i've donated money to open source apps and have paid for lots of apps in windows which i also use daily. so yeah, non-pirated software for me and proud of it.

[Cifra]

I use FLstudio

[Yannick Le Saint kyncani]

I seem to be one of the few who does not use closed-source software, because I don't need to :).

[frup]

For the Ubuntu machine I am on right now, we are using ndiswrapper to get wireless working. It also uses the Nvidia driver.

The only program I use that comes up on VRMS apart from what's mentioned above and what is default with Ubuntu is rar and unrar... which is un-installed at the moment as I don't come across rars that often.

I do only play open source games when I do play games as I'm too lazy to look anywhere other than the repositories.

For my everyday use open source is 100% fine.

I would consider using proprietary stuff for my tablet to get it performing better but that isn't exactly available.

[Perfect Storm]

As a linux gamer, the answer is yes.

[odiseo77]

Windows XP, and some windows games.
Mercury Messenger (a java based MSN client) on Linux.

[SunnyRabbiera]

well some, mainly in the forms of adobe reader, opera and my copy of MS office XP that I run in wine.

[vishzilla]

Only Opera and Skype currently

[nick09]

Yes I play windows games!:lolflag:

[eragon100]

How on earth do you get flash running in opera?
Also, video player plugin such as totem or mplayer or something.

Because I really like opera and want to use it, but am stuck with junkfox because I can't even watch youtube video's with it.

Idea's anyone?

[SunnyRabbiera]

How on earth do you get flash running in opera?
Also, video player plugin such as totem or mplayer or something.

Because I really like opera and want to use it, but am stuck with junkfox because I can't even watch youtube video's with it.

Idea's anyone?

well me I use opera beta, it seems to solve the problem of videos and such

[vishzilla]

How on earth do you get flash running in opera?
Also, video player plugin such as totem or mplayer or something.

Because I really like opera and want to use it, but am stuck with junkfox because I can't even watch youtube video's with it.

Idea's anyone?

Opera 9.50b! Worth the try

[eragon100]

The opera download server gives me 5.3 kb/sec, but it's small, so it should arrive in 16 minutes, according to *censored* :(

[Samhain13]

My computer's just a tool, not an ideological bastion.

+1

So, I voted yes.
Although for me, first choice will always be Free Software-- for economic reasons.

[qazwsx]

I use open source codecs. So no dll codec hell for me :).
I use Nvidia driver
I use Adobe Flash <-- Wish it was Gnash or Swfdec.
At least one of my devices requires closed firmware

Also couple of windows games that I use via wine.

So yes.

[eragon100]

Hey great, the opera beta is working like a charm! I didn't have to do anything to get flash working :)

[schtufbox]

I agree. If I need to use Proprietary Software X because my work requires it, or even because it does something that Open-Source Software Z won't, then why should I use anything else just because Richard Stallman said so? He's not the boss of me. My computer's just a tool, not an ideological bastion.

Well said! Open Source is all well and good, and I support it, but if it's software that is only closed source, and I need it, or it has features that are not in an Open Source version of it, I'll go for closed source.
Example, I use Reaper in wine for audio work. I could use LMMS or whatever, but until they mature a little more, there is just no point :)

[Joeb454]

for me, first choice will always be Free Software-- for economic reasons.

Free software isn't the same as Open Source software. A lot of people get confused with this.

Windows Live (formerly MSN) Messenger is a free download from Microsoft, but it's definitely not Open Source ;)

[Samhain13]

^I know the difference. Hence "Free", not "free".
And while some Free Software have a monetary value, most don't. ;)

[dizee]

I use Opera. I'm pragmatic about open source. I'll use it over closed software so long as it offers the same functionality, without annoying me too much. For example I was trying to switch to Firefox 3 Beta in Hardy but it kept ignoring my font antialiasing settings, so I'm back on Opera till the final (and hopefully a fix) is released.

I use the fglrx drivers from ATI because they are the only way to get full functionality out of my graphics card. If there was a 3d-capable open source alternative driver I would use that. I think they are meant to be opening up their drivers soon anyway.

Ideally I would use all open source, but I didn't come to linux because of the philosophy but simply because I think it's better. Only after that did I consider the ideological issues, and yes they are important, but not always feasibile.

[Tundro Walker]

I agree. If I need to use Proprietary Software X because my work requires it, or even because it does something that Open-Source Software Z won't, then why should I use anything else just because Richard Stallman said so? He's not the boss of me. My computer's just a tool, not an ideological bastion.

1) I answered yes, for the same reasons Phil & most other folks who answered yes explained

2) Richard Stallman, to me anyways, comes off as that "one guy" who posts in gaming formus of his really cool, awesome mod that he's working on, and yet never seems to finish. He shows up, posts comments as the authority on everything, folks seem to listen to him and give him clout, but he never really delivers the "product" he said he was working on. I'm speaking of his GNU OS. That's not to say I don't think the guy is right in a lot of what he says. It's just that folks who are interested in doing something about an issue will just shut up and do it, and let their results speak for themself, rather than talk about it a lot and not have much to show for it.

(*Insert huge Richard Stallman flame war here*)

[eragon100]

This is a wikipedia clone that only contains satires.

Look what they have to say about Richard M. Stallman:

http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Richard_Stallman

:lolflag:!!

[imT]

This is a wikipedia clone that only contains satires.

Look what they have to say about Richard M. Stallman:

http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Richard_Stallman

:lolflag:!!

Ubuntu: an ancient african word, meaning "I can't configure Debian" (http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu)

:lolflag::lolflag::lolflag:

[Riffer]

How on earth do you get flash running in opera?
Also, video player plugin such as totem or mplayer or something.

Because I really like opera and want to use it, but am stuck with junkfox because I can't even watch youtube video's with it.

Idea's anyone?

I installed the 9.5 beta and it worked right from the getgo, no tweaking or anything.

Beaten to it lol

[23meg]

I use Launchpad everyday, so yes.

People who make use of websites that run on, say, ASP should also answer "Yes".

[Tomatz]

I am using opera right now. Not because i dont like firefox, galeon etc but because i prefer it.

Though i do miss the openness of having extensions etc sometimes :(

[Colonel Kilkenny]

Hey great, the opera beta is working like a charm! I didn't have to do anything to get flash working :)

If you want to have a videoplugin as well your best bet is Gecko Media Player & Gnome Mplayer. Gnome Mplayer is in Hardy repos but I think Gecko Media Player needs to be compiled manually. It isn't hard though.

On topic, yes: I use Opera, Google Earth & Photoshop at least.

[LaRoza]

I am using opera right now. Not because i dont like firefox, galeon etc but because i prefer it.

Though i do miss the openness of having extensions etc sometimes :(

I am using Opera also and I don't like Fx. It is the best browser and I am not afraid to admit it.

I installed gNewSense and ran vrms and found that Opera was the only package that was nonfree...

[Tomatz]

I am using Opera also and I don't like Fx. It is the best browser and I am not afraid to admit it.

I installed gNewSense and ran vrms and found that Opera was the only package that was nonfree...


Yeah its a nice stable browser. I just wish the setup was easier (plugins etc).

It would be nice if it worked out of the box.

Especially for new users. ;)

[eragon100]

The beta of the new version does. Just double click and everything including flash worked (assuming you have ubuntu-restricted-extras installed, but who hasn't :))

[cardinals_fan]

Just NVIDIA and Flash. It's not a moral decision, there's just nothing else I want to use.

[-grubby]

Opera, Flash, and my NVIDIA drivers are what come off the top of my head

[AndyCooll]

Apart from the codecs, I use Adobe Flash so I answered yes. I'm also using VirtualBox (not the OSE edition since it doesn't seem to be working at the moment). And I play a paid for Windows game using Wine.

I use open-source where possible, closed-source where necessary. It is something I care about, however I'll use closed-source apps where the open-source versions aren't practical. Gnash is an example of this. I look forward to the day when it becomes a realistic and practical option. Unfortunately at the moment too many sites don't seem to work with it, Youtube and the BBC's iPlayer to name two obvious ones.

:cool:

[itsjustarumour]

I agree. If I need to use Proprietary Software X because my work requires it, or even because it does something that Open-Source Software Z won't, then why should I use anything else just because Richard Stallman said so? He's not the boss of me. My computer's just a tool, not an ideological bastion.

Couldn't put it better myself - thanks Phil, you saved me some typing! :-D

[yamfox]

yes, I use closed-source software if I have to.

[Changturkey]

Only if I have to.

[sujoy]

yes, just opera though

[eragon100]

Just not everything that is better and more comfortable,. and freeware? :popcorn:

[perce]

I have some installed just in case, but I use only skype. I wish I could find a free alternative, but I've never been able to make ekiga or wengophone work equally well.

[uraldinho]

some products take years and millions of $ to develop, so we have to respect the copyright laws. I have codecs, video drivers, etc as closed source.

Going pure is absolutely out of question. If the question was about going pure, then we have to remove flash player, Java VM (only recently open source), not use Google search algorithm, etc. There are probably other gray areas in the patents as well. One way or another, we always interact with proprietary code.

However, I do use GIMP instead of Photo Shop, Octave instead of Matlab, and gcc instead of Visual Studio even in Windows. If the FOSS version of the program is good enough, I use it.

PS: What about the BIOS? Is there an open source BIOS?

[popch]

I use software which is closed-source and I use software which has to be paid for.

I use the open source and/or free of charge version if it's good enough for the job at hand or - failing that - not worse than the closed or costly product.

Edit: @OP: has nothing to do with 'caring for' open source. Has to do with needing tools.

[kenono]

I do, I run Windows and use Office.
As well as the nvidia driver for Ubuntu.

[lisati]

How many of us have machines where the BIOS is open-source?

As long as the software is legal and does the job easily, does it matter?

A case could be made either way for open source or closed or whatever combination that is useful......

[eragon100]

As long as the software is legal and does the job easily, does it matter?

+1. My thought exactly :popcorn:

[jespdj]

Yes, I do use closed-source software, but I also do care about open source and I prefer an open source alternative if it's available!

I use Windows Vista and Adobe Photoshop CS3 on one of my computers.

On Ubuntu, I use Skype (and the proprietary nVidia driver).

[eragon100]

En waarom niet bijvoorbeeld Opera als browser? Hij heeft meer functies dan firefox, wat is er boeiend aan dat die niet open-source is? Je hoeft hem toch niet aan te passen? Google earth en google picasa ook (alhoewel ik gimp gebruik i.p.v. picasa, maar ALLEEN omdat die meer functies heeft :))

And why not use opera a a web browser, for example? It has more functions than firefoxs, who cares it's not open-source? You don't have to adjust it, do you? Google earth and google picasa are also nice programs, no need to adjust them either. (although I use gimp instead of picasa, but ONLY because it has more features :))

[rickyjones]

Yes. In my experience the programs that I need are usually closed source because I need the features and the support/polish.

-Richard

[bufsabre666]

if there is an open source alternative that has all the features i will use it but in some cases this isn't true and i use the proprietary software, its all about what works I'm not about to go stallman about closed vs open source its about what works not about what is morally right

[rickyjones]

if there is an open source alternative that has all the features i will use it but in some cases this isn't true and i use the proprietary software, its all about what works I'm not about to go stallman about closed vs open source its about what works not about what is morally right

I agree fully with your answer.

I use Mozilla Firefox because it is better than any other browser, in my opinion. I choose open source in this instance.

I use Microsoft Small Business Accounting Professional because it is better than any other small business accounting package, in my opinion. Proprietary software is better in this instance, in my opinion.

It all comes down to opinion and personal preference.

Sincerely,
Richard

[sobakasu]

Yes, I do use closed-source software, but I also do care about open source and I prefer an open source alternative if it's available!


I agree 100%!

I'm using the Nvidia driver and Skype (although I dislike it, but everybody and their cat seems to use it and, I have to admit, it works pretty OK). Also, I love Opera under Windows but it just isn't as good in Ubuntu, so I merely fiddle with it a little every now and then.
On a second partition I still have Windows XP installed -- with MS Word (unfortunately, I'm getting quite a few .doc files I have to edit and forward recently, so this is the only reliable solution ATM). I plan on getting rid of this partition though and rather install Windows in a virtual machine soon.

[herbster]

Definitely, it's just software to me.

[Fenris_rising]

the only bits i use are xp under VM to run googlesketchup, hopefully they will climb aboard one day soon. the only other is PCB wizard which luckily runs under wine. i have tried the PCB software in the repos but they, although good, arent quite what im used to. i may recant later when ive had a bit of a better go with them. for now i need the familiar to complete a project. when i look at the 20 or so disks of windows apps i no longer require it makes me sad.........i want my money back please :lolflag:

[justin whitaker]

Purity is a fool's errand.

Open Source is the preferred software in the Whitaker household, but it is impractical to completely do away with closed source software.

I don't think I would want to anyway. There are bad open source software (either incomplete, badly coded, or already done somewhere else better) and there is bad closed source software. Why should I do away with the good and use bad strictly based on ideology?

That's one thing that irks me about Stallman and the FSF. Having everything be open is obviously optimal, but there are good closed source tools (Adobe's Creative Suite, iTunes, Games like World of Warcraft) that I doubt will ever be open. Should we just turn our backs on good software and spend the rest of our lives in Emacs?

Open Source is awesome, but let's leave religion to the theologists, and get down to making our software superior to closed source so that the choice is obvious to a new user.

[gabhla]

Indeed, yes.

[visionaire]

Yes, i do, i find it ridiculous people who just want to use open source because of fanaticism, for example, Opera browser, some people hate it just because is closed-source, but it's free anyway, and they take their time to make a version for linux anyway and also is a good piece of software

sorry but i don't understand these people, and also sorry for my bad english :D

[Mhurst1]

I use flash player thats about it.

[hellomoto]

I think that as open source software develops I won't have to used closed source software. I would like to be able to call myself "pure" but its just not the case at the moment.

I will get there one day!

[-random]

i agree with linus on this one :P

[achron]

Sure do... The office is a very mixed-bag shop when it comes to software (intranet is SharePoint Portal, desktop includes Office '07, Lotus Notes, to VPN in from home requires XP Pro, and lots of other vendors) and while I like Linux for my own stuff at home, I'm currently running Ubuntu in a VM on top of XP Pro (dual booting is too painful). Under Linux, I use what I can that's open source (sideline is Ruby on Rails development with MySQL), but use what I must to do the work.

Not to mention the odd three Windows games I just can't seem to give up... and no emulator/translator supports.

[zyxyellowxyz]

Yes I do. Even before I popped a new hard-drive in my computer so I could install Windows XP (Legal Copy, btw), I have Opera and Safari on my Kubuntu drive. I also play WoW using Wine.
We (being my husband and I) "broke down" and installed Windows simply because there are some of our favorite games that we just could not get to run under Wine. I also have my favorite art program back, Corel Draw. (Yes, I realize that its not the best, but its a familiarity thing. I've been using it since version 5.)
And I agree with this:
"Yes, i do, i find it ridiculous people who just want to use open source because of fanaticism"

[Xanderfoxx]

Is the difference outlined here valid?

Free Software Foundation (Richard Stallman)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Free_Software_Definition

Open Source Inititive (Debian)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Source_Definition

[FFighter]

I find this talk of being "pure" pure bulls**t. Linux is a great OS (even if it is technically not an OS, but you get the idea :)), FOSS is a nice movement and philosophy, but we live in a capitalist world and I don't see any problem in making profits by selling software, it is a matter of choice. While I respect (respect is a principle I try to always follow) FOSS "zealots", I find that they have the same mindset as fanatic religious people.

So, I do use commercial "proprietary" software, I don't have ANY problems with it and I'm willing to buy proprietary software. Of course, if an FOSS alternative is available, and many times it is! And usually of better quality, then better :)

And no, Microsoft is not evil, nor Bill Gates and Windows XP is a great OS too :D, but I just happen to prefer GNU/Linux.

[Methuselah]

I prefer open source but I will run proprietary software if needed. I rather prefer to avoid it for critical components near to the hardware.

Apart from flash player I don't have much in the way of proprietary stuff on this machine. My present main machine has an ATI card and I prefer open drivers.

I (against my better judgement) tried ATI's driver and it cmessed X up so badly I could barely boot. I tried the nvidia driver on another machine only to learn that they don't implement the features needed for desktop effects and won't back port this to the 'legacy drivers'.

That is the practical/selfish part of preferring open source. It works out better for you in the future with a more maintainable system that can change to accommodate technological advances. If at all feasible, an open nvidia driver (even for legacy cards) would have texture from pixmap support by now. The nvidia card I have came with an older machine and it'll be the last own I own until they change their policies in the face of a better proposition from ATI.

[Caraibes]

I use mostly Free Software, but sometimes I use closed source, such as the codecs, Skype, Opera...

I installed Java JRE... It is almost free by now... I run swfdec instead of Adobe Flash, just because it doesn't crash FF3...

I ran the Nvidia drivers for some days, but went back to the Free Nvidia drivers, as I find it more stable...

Bottom line: I try to stick to Free (I value the efforts of the devs...), but I would use non-free whenever there's no "good enough" Free equivalent...

[uraldinho]

I rather prefer to avoid it for critical components near to the hardware.

Tough luck.... You have binary code in your BIOS, controllers, etc. Guess what, they ain't open source. Close to the hardware is exactly where the proprietary software resides. You have no chance of avoiding it.

The OS might be pure, but the PC isn't.

[qazwsx]

Tough luck.... You have binary code in your BIOS, controllers, etc. Guess what, they ain't open source. Close to the hardware is exactly where the proprietary software resides. You have no chance of avoiding it.

The OS might be pure, but the PC isn't.

http://www.coreboot.org/Supported_Motherboards

Me wants. I would certainly prefer openBIOS. Nice features. Too risky and mine board isn't supported.
:(

[klange]

Tough luck.... You have binary code in your BIOS, controllers, etc. Guess what, they ain't open source. Close to the hardware is exactly where the proprietary software resides. You have no chance of avoiding it.

The OS might be pure, but the PC isn't.

There's a significant difference between "closed-source software" and "non-open firmware".

I happen to just rm -rf'd my .wine to start things anew (apparently even an emulated Windows layer needs to be reinstalled every so often for best performance). I had a fresh Wine directory waiting for me to mv .wine2 .wine. I use some proprietary software - Flash, for one. I still technically have Skype installed (don't use it), and I may have a Java runtime library or two from before OpenJDK was completely open (only because they haven't filtered out). Other than that, I finally stopped using Photoshop, I'm on (horrible as they may be) open source Intel wireless drivers, I use OSS video drivers on all my machines (major advantage for ATI - we have our own drivers, even if theirs do suck). I think the only other thing worth mentioning is I have RAR libraries - but who care? It's the preferred archive format in the Windows world, so when my friends want something compressed, I need to RAR it.

[Tom Mann]

I bought Doom 3 and Quake 4 and run them on Linux natively, with my nvidia driven graphic card (not the X driver) and it's beautiful @ 1680x1050 on my 7600GT.

I vote yes :)

[master5o1]

I try to be as `free` as possible.

Only areas where I use Closed Source:

Nvidia.
Adobe {flash, pdf reader)
Codecs


jason@meinDell:~$ vrms
Non-free packages installed on meinDell

human-icon-theme Human Icon theme
linux-generic Complete Generic Linux kernel
linux-restricted-modules- Non-free Linux 2.6.24 modules on x86/x86_64
linux-restricted-modules- Non-free Linux 2.6.24 modules helper script
linux-restricted-modules- Restricted Linux modules for generic kernels
nvidia-glx-new NVIDIA binary XFree86 4.x/X.Org 'new' driver
tangerine-icon-theme Tangerine Icon theme

7 non-free packages, 0.5% of 1518 installed packages.

Also:

I have Vista in a virtualmachine in VirtualBox (the CSE version for USB)

[Jordanwb]

Hewllet Packard's software for my scanner since XSane doesn't support it yet. Also Limewire.

[rocknrolf77]

Free software covers most of my computer-use. Need flash, nvidia drivers, codecs and closed source games sometimes on a almost forgotten xp install.

I will also continue to buy closed source games than run on linux, like penumbra and others. When the free ati driver get's good enough I will switch my nvidia with a new ati card.

Gaming is the only reason I have a need for windows. (DirectX is EVIL!!:evil: )

[Methuselah]

There's a significant difference between "closed-source software" and "non-open firmware"


Yes. I'm not necessarily going to ask for code for my microwave, printer or dishwasher firmware. However, I want my PC to be an open device that I can use without artificial limitations.

The BIOS is actually pretty limited in scope and changeable, doing most of its work during the boot process (though it can also be invoked for other purposes). However, drivers interact closely and constantly with your hardware and operating system. Bad and unchangeable drivers are gifts that keep giving.

Windows users are used to upgrading their OS and having devices stop working (Vista seems particularly notorious in this respect). Frequently they have to buy new hardware because the manufacturer is no longer supporting that device with driver updates. Linux users that have hardware for which open source drivers are in the kernel have no such issues. It's just a better and more harmonious stack. That's why I ALWAYS choose hardware for which good open source drivers exist.

[id1337x]

I don't use gNewSense and I have a few things like Java and Flash installed in their proprietary forms, but I am "pure" in that I don't download proprietary that isn't really important, mostly because I don't need to.

[doorknob60]

Yes, Google Earth, Picasa, SimCity 4, Call of Duty 2, other games, and Windows 2000 (pirated but I have a legal XP license, which has downgrade rights (i think), windows 2000 uses less hd space :P) for a few other games. EDIT: Also Java and Flash I use all the time.

[eragon100]

eragon@Asgard:~$ vrms
Non-free packages installed on Asgard

alien-arena-data Game data files for Alien Arena
angband A single-player, text-based, dungeon simulation game.
Reason: No commercial distribution
glest-data A free 3d real-time customizable strategy game
human-icon-theme Human Icon theme
linux-generic Complete Generic Linux kernel
linux-restricted-modules- Non-free Linux 2.6.24 modules on x86/x86_64
linux-restricted-modules- Non-free Linux 2.6.24 modules helper script
linux-restricted-modules- Restricted Linux modules for generic kernels
nvidia-glx-new NVIDIA binary XFree86 4.x/X.Org 'new' driver
opera The Opera Web Browser
sauerbraten-data Game content for the Sauerbraten game
sun-java5-bin Sun Java(TM) Runtime Environment (JRE) 5.0 (architectu
sun-java5-jre Sun Java(TM) Runtime Environment (JRE) 5.0 (architectu
sun-java6-bin Sun Java(TM) Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 (architecture
sun-java6-jre Sun Java(TM) Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 (architecture
tangerine-icon-theme Tangerine Icon theme
tremulous-data Tremulous datas
unrar Unarchiver for .rar files (non-free version)
Reason: Modifications problematic
warsow-data Game data for Warsow


I am wondering why it doesn't pick up google earth and astromenace.
Also, logically it doesn't detect commercial games not installed by synaptic:

- heretic 2

- northland

- savage 1

- savage 2 (although I don't play this one. it isn't as much fun as savage 1 :()

- enemy territory: quake wars

- neverwinter nights

- uplink (wine, I couldn't find the linux version for "free", and it works perfectly) (BTW, I bought all the others:))

- prey (wine)

- icewind dale 2 (wine)

- freelancer (wine, microsoft game studios BTW)

- Halcyon sun (wine)

- Star wars jedi knight 2 jedi outcast (wine)

- Star wars knights of the old republic 2 (cedega)

- morrowind (Cedega)

- Far Cry (Cedega)

Oh yeah and I have winrar and amazon mp3 downloader, and moonlight

And offcourse flash player and all codecs.

Have I got a record here? Most propietary software on a single ubuntu computer?

[Raven_Oscar]

I am not strong supporter of open source software. So that's why I use some products with closed code. For example Opera (with flash plugin) and non-free version of VirtualBox.

[Magnes]

On Linux I use Raw Therapee, Neat Image, Adobe Reader and maybe something else from time to time. I would rather use open source alternative, especcialy for Neat Image (free version is somewhat limited) and Adobe Reader, but right now they are better for me than OS alternatives so I use them.

[Caraibes]

---vrms ? yes, good idea !

martin@spc1:~$ vrms
Non-free packages installed on spc1

human-icon-theme Human Icon theme
linux-generic Complete Generic Linux kernel
linux-restricted-modules- Non-free Linux 2.6.24 modules on x86/x86_64
linux-restricted-modules- Non-free Linux 2.6.24 modules helper script
linux-restricted-modules- Restricted Linux modules for generic kernels
nvidia-glx-new NVIDIA binary XFree86 4.x/X.Org 'new' driver
picasa Image management application from Google
scribus-doc english-language documentation for the internal help b
sun-java6-bin Sun Java(TM) Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 (architecture
sun-java6-jre Sun Java(TM) Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 (architecture
sun-java6-plugin The Java(TM) Plug-in, Java SE 6
tangerine-icon-theme Tangerine Icon theme
tango-icon-theme Tango Icon theme
Reason: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 License
unrar Unarchiver for .rar files (non-free version)
Reason: Modifications problematic

14 non-free packages, 1.0% of 1365 installed packages.

[Rhapsody]

I use free software whenever possible, but there are some occasions where proprietary software really can't be avoided. Opera, Safari, and IE for a start (need to test my website with them) then there's the non-free Flash plugin (Gnash and Swfdec look promising, but I don't want the hassle of beta software), unrar-nonfree (the free version can't handle newer archives), and the requisite restricted drivers (including the nvidia driver, I'm not using the 2D-only nv driver on my new 8800 GT) and proprietary codecs.

I call my strategy with free software the 'One-Way Strategy', as in I try to switch from proprietary to free whenever possible, and don't look back.

[Christmas]

Yes, I still use it. Games like UT2004 or Skype, the nVIDIA driver to mention a few.
Output of vrms:

$ vrms
Non-free packages installed on debian

opera The Opera Web Browser

1 non-free packages, 0.1% of 1428 installed packages.
$

Did a clean install recently, usually there are more non-free packages installed.

[billgoldberg]

Besides the codecs and flash, no.

But I answered yes.

[JanvL]

Yes, of course.

I have Xara LX on the Linuxbox and Xara extreme pro on windows next to Photoshop.

If someone makes somthing as good as Xara I do not mind paying for it, and it is not even expensive.
Open source is one way but not the only way.
Open standards are the only way! I hope they evolve more and more but again I do not oppose to use closed software that handles open standards well.

jan

[Samueltehg33k]

yeah i do itunes, imovie, iphoto, and Photoshop elements

[FFighter]

Yes, of course.

Open standards are the only way! I hope they evolve more and more but again I do not oppose to use closed software that handles open standards well.

jan

+1

[klange]

human-icon-theme Human Icon theme
rar Archiver for .rar files
tangerine-icon-theme Tangerine Icon theme
tango-icon-theme Tango Icon theme
4 non-free packages, 0.2% of 2465 installed packages.

vrms is a bit too strict for my tastes, especially when it comes to icon packs. I love the Tango theme, and it's perfectly open - even if it's the attribution thing that vrms is worried about, look at any open source project and you'll see names next to copyrights that can't legally be removed. I'll probably remove tangerine, though. Said it before: RAR libraries are there so I can archive things for friends still using Windows (and extract archives that they make) - RAR is the primary archive format in the Windows world nowadays. vrms also doesn't pick up Flash - I want to start using swfdec (gotta support it as a Freedesktop project over Gnash), though, if it plays various videos it's good enough for me (and it'll clearly be getting a lot better in the coming months with the open specifications). And of course there are the various codecs, which are fully open source but also illegal for me to have. I say screw it, I have an MP3 player and a DVD player, etc., and such codec patent bull **** is just that - bull ****.
Finally purged Skype, all restricted modules (and while I was at it, all old kernels, haven't seen any regressions, wasting too much space), a bunch of apps I never used, and the non-open Java binaries and libraries (huzzah for Sun's OpenJDK!), so yeah, I'm pretty open source at this point.

e: And thus completes my installation of swfdec and purging of Adobe's horrid Flash player.

[decoherence]

Pretty hard to avoid using closed source software when its your job to support it.

My personal computers are fairly pure, excepting nvidia drivers. But if a program does something I need, I won't avoid it because it's closed source. (i may avoid it if it's expensive, adobe)

[master5o1]

Hewllet Packard's software for my scanner since XSane doesn't support it yet. Also Limewire.


Frostwire is open source limewire :D

[Achetar]

With the exception of multimedia codecs and restricted drivers which every sane user has installed, do you use closed-source software (like me) or are you "pure".

Just curious how many people care about open-source and the like :)
I fall at your feet in wonder! How? How? Homeworld (2), Tiberian Sun, and Warcraft3 are integral parts of me!

[gameryoshi600]

dreamweaver 8 through wine.

[Irihapeti]

A driver for my winmodem. Where I live, external serial modems are neither cheap nor readily available, and the needed adapter cable alone costs more than the driver.

[amitabhishek]

Everyone does...

You can't dig well every time you need water!!!

[eragon100]

BUMP :popcorn:

[Don S]

Only closed source programs I have, excluding all drivers and codecs, are games.

Warcraft III (although not installed),
Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy,
Savage 2 (native Linux client, yay!)