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The goal of switching to free software is to gain full control over your computing (jxself.org)

submitted 4 days ago by cm0002@digipres.cafe to c/linux@programming.dev

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One of the most common objections raised when considering a move to free software goes something like "I can't switch, because my favorite program isn't available on GNU/Linux." They perceive the inability to run a specific piece of proprietary software as a technical deficiency of the free system. They see it as a bug. This reaction misunderstands the point of the transition: They're judging the free world by its ability to replicate the prison walls they just left.

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[–] gustofwind@lemmy.world 31 points 4 days ago (2 children)

The other misunderstanding is on us:

There are simply many people willing to pay for convenient easy to use software regardless of the control or privacy implications 🤷‍♀️

[–] Nioxic@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Yep

And plenty adult well of people simply dont know/care about data privacy

They buy windows or mac

And choose the common easy options for their work places etc

[–] Windex007@lemmy.world 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

A mind-boggling amount of work has gone into lowering the barrier of entry. I think as the gap continues to close, it'll become a less compelling "selling point"

[–] Digit@lemmy.wtf 1 points 3 days ago

Awareness of how easy and nice it is, seems a greater hurdle than how easy and nice it is. From my experience, [in 2003, with my first install of suse as a fresh windows refugee] it was already easy enough before ubuntu came along advertising that it made it easier and nicer (~ I noticed no significant change from ubuntu to how easy and nice it was, they just had stronger marketing).

People just don't know [how easy and nice it is].

Same as they don't know the distinction of free software being an entirely different philosophical paradigm to live, not just another platform to be abused by.

[–] aev_software@programming.dev 2 points 4 days ago

Convenience over freedom / privacy / security / equality / justice. We see this all over the place. Many people prefer comfort over challenge. That seems a survival instinct. And it works against us.