2 ms·

OSS is an important part of hardware ownership. If I cannot control the software running on my device do I really own the device? If I do not fully control the

by nip180 6y ago

OSS is an important part of hardware ownership. If I cannot control the software running on my device do I really own the device? If I do not fully control the hardware and software of my devices my ability to participate in the Information Age is limited. OSS is an important aspect of being a free citizen in the Information Age.

tw25493606 6y ago
> If I cannot control the software running on my device do I really own the device? I think that depends on what you mean by "control" and "really own". Recently folks were complaining that Apple is acting as a monopoly because you can't install a non-Safari browser. Of course they're still stuck installing from the app store. So, demand installing from outside the app store, and they're still stuck using iOS. Demand changing the OS, and they're still stuck using Broadcom chips and indirectly supporting the CCP. These are all degrees of control, with associated trade-offs. Being able to easily alter and recompile an application is just one degree of control. There are many others you still won't have until you can fabricate a device from raw materials. And even then maybe your government won't allow you to access the necessary designs and materials (enforced by men with guns). Ultimately, everything is a package deal, and there is really no such thing as "owning" nor "full control", there are just contracts. For example, no one "really owns" their home; they rent the land from the government and (for most folks) the bank. > my ability to participate in the Information Age is limited Indeed, because that system works for its own purposes, not for you. You must conform to it, not vice versa. [1] [1] https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/fc-industrial-society-and-its-future#toc17 https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/fc-industrial-societ...

by nip180 6y ago

tw25493606 6y ago

> If I cannot control the software running on my device do I really own the device? I think that depends on what you mean by "control" and "really own". Recently folks were complaining that Apple is acting as a monopoly because you can't install a non-Safari browser. Of course they're still stuck installing from the app store. So, demand installing from outside the app store, and they're still stuck using iOS. Demand changing the OS, and they're still stuck using Broadcom chips and indirectly supporting the CCP. These are all degrees of control, with associated trade-offs. Being able to easily alter and recompile an application is just one degree of control. There are many others you still won't have until you can fabricate a device from raw materials. And even then maybe your government won't allow you to access the necessary designs and materials (enforced by men with guns). Ultimately, everything is a package deal, and there is really no such thing as "owning" nor "full control", there are just contracts. For example, no one "really owns" their home; they rent the land from the government and (for most folks) the bank. > my ability to participate in the Information Age is limited Indeed, because that system works for its own purposes, not for you. You must conform to it, not vice versa. [1] [1] https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/fc-industrial-society-and-its-future#toc17 https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/fc-industrial-societ...