Free Software gives us essential freedom that other software denies us. Most of us have gotten used to such serious restrictions. Because of this, only a comparison makes it obvious how much the use of non-free software hampers us.
Free Software can be used as a tool. Let us paint a picture of the absurd consequences it would have if for example screwdrivers could only be used with the same restrictions as non-free software:
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Screwdrivers would no longer be standardized and would only work with screws made by the same company.
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Screwdriver licenses would only allow the unscrewing of screws. To fasten a screw, we would need a more expensive screwdriver from the same manufacturer.
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Only one company would be allowed to manufacture screwdrivers because the idea would have been patented. Only an expensive trial might result in the general right to for example use pliers in combination with screws.
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We would not be allowed to modify bought screwdrivers to our needs. It would for example be forbidden to wrap textured tape around the grip to prevent the screwdriver from slipping from our hands.
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It would be illegal to repair a broken screwdriver without the permission of the manufacturer.
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New screwdrivers and screws would be put on the market constantly, that would not be compatible with older models. We would constantly need to buy new screwdrivers to service new appliances or devices.
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It would be illegal to lend or resell screwdrivers.
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Screwdrivers would spy on us and send such secretly collected information to persons unknown.
No-one would use screwdrivers whose use was restricted thusly. There are no reasonable grounds to accept such terms. Not for tools, not for software.
The freedoms we find self-evident with tools, are also possible with IT. Free programs like Firefox and LibreOffice can be installed everywhere without worry. Your files can still be used years later, with multiple programs, because open standards are used. When we use a GNU/Linux operating system like Debian, companies like Microsoft and Apple, can no longer impose unfavourable conditions on us.
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Use: Everybody is allowed to use it without restrictions as they please.
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Study: Everybody is allowed to inspect and to adapt it as needed.
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Share: Everybody is allowed to help each other by sharing copies of the software.
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Improve: Everybody is encouraged to publish improved versions of the software so that we all benefit.
Only if we can really make use of all four freedoms, it really is Free Software.
Unfortunately, in many businesses profit maximization is above all else. The programs created by such businesses ruthlessly restrict us by technical and legal means to only that which brings profit to these businesses. To prevent losing us as customers, they make it as difficult as possible to switch to alternatives. They deliberately hide the workings of their programs and prevent competition as well as reasonable constitutional inspection.
Even if some unscrupulous programs seem the most convenient because of their commonness: should we not only use programs that are open about what they do (with our data)?
There is also software that is not developed for profit, but to solve concrete tasks. It is enabled by those that want to use it. Because of this, there are no intentional restrictions, and it is as good as it can technically be. No-one mutilates it for profit. When such programs are distributed under a free license, they are Free Software.
It is not possible to hide malicious or monitoring functions in Free Software, because we can all examine and modify it.
More and more people are tired of being restricted and monitored. Free Software is therefore rapidly developed and becoming more popular worldwide.
Refuse to be treated as nothing more than a source of money and to be restricted under dubious pretexts: prefer Free Software whenever you can!
You don't have to pay for most free software. A lot of restricted software is also free of charge (like many Android applications). However, Free Software is not about price, but liberty.
When you don't control a program, the program controls you. Whoever controls the software therefore controls you.
For example, nobody is allowed to study how a non-free program or app works and what it actually does on your computer or phone. Sometimes it just doesn't do exactly what you want, but there are also programs and apps that contain malicious features like leaking your data without your knowledge.
Running exclusively Free Software on your computer or device puts you in full control. Even though you may not have the skills to directly exercise all of your freedom, you benefit from a vibrant community that is enabled by freedom and uses it collaboratively.
Consider showing your appreciation by paying developers voluntarily. This way you also ensure that you are the customer and not the product.
Original flyers:
http://fsfe.org/contribute/spreadtheword.en.html#fsfe-and-fellowship-material
http://fsfe.org/contribute/spreadtheword.en.html#free-your-android-campaign
Fellowship of the Free Software Foundation Europe:
http://fellowship.fsfe.org, fellowship@fsfeurope.org
Catalogue of Free and Open Source Software for Android:
https://f-droid.org
Search engine that does not track user data:
https://duckduckgo.com
World map that does not track user data:
http://www.openstreetmap.org
Information about devices that intentionally restricted us:
http://www.defectivebydesign.org
General information about Free Software:
http://fsfe.org
The original flyers were created by the fellowship of fsfe, this translation by Felix C. Stegerman (flx@obfusk.net).
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