Open Source software is an autonomous approach to technology, where the users - not the major technology corporations - have control over how users obtain and use computer programs. In today's marketplace, technology is imperative and very expensive. Beyond the computer itself, software licensing is a major cost and does not always fulfill the needs of each user. In solution, open source software is becoming more popular as it allows users to avoid expensive licensing fees and to better achieve their individual goals.
Drawing from Marshall McLuhan's book Media is the Message, how does this new trend reflect today's methods of communication? The internet first promised to give "the whole world at your fingertips;" but since the world wide web's inception, corporations have capitalized on its commercialism to give their world at your fingertips, so long as you have a big wallet. Open source software redelivers the opportunity for people to access information and technology freely, just as it promised at its hippy-beginning.
I hope the future of the web will continue to make autonomous strides in keeping the power of information in the hands of the people, not the corporations. Open source software empowers technology users to create and sculpt media, not just consume media.
5 comments:
I see the point that you're making about the user being in control of their destiny. I wondered though how much technologists would be needed in order to prevent certain gliches. I think it would take a lot of training to get employees ready to manipulate the program to suit their needs. Some people still maintain that they are not technologically inclined and might be resistant to the changes.
Arrgh I typed this whole comment out and Blogger lost it. So much for Web 2.0. So...here goes again. I was saying I liked your reference to McLuhan and it made me go back and read some of it again. I came across a passage where he's talking about what you're saying. He has some big historical ideas about the printing press bringing the idea of authorship to the forefront of media production. But now that the modes of media production are becoming so dispersed and even the technological methods of media production are becoming collaborative efforts with open source software we may be moving toward a time when collective messages are more important than those of a select few who happen to rise to fame and recognition.
I totally agree, it HAS to be in control of users, not corporations. Thats' why web 2.0 is so encouraging-the social aspect(s) of it. I think it will be harder and harder to create prescribed tools that are inflexible to the user.
Hi
I'm still trying to define open source. I meant I read what was given in class but I'm still not comfortable deciding what it is or who is using it. I love when I can use programs that are free.
I totally agree your opinion of the open source. Open source software offer possibilities for people who have thought and wanna make things come true. We can be part of the media, to get involve in and to create. I like the way you put: "Open source software empowers technology users to create and sculpt media, not just consume media."
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