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The main difference between free software
and proprietary software is not
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in its form nor in its functionality.
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The main difference describes
the mentality behind the software.
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Software is an idea,
an intellectual creation
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like music, literature, or a recipe.
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Proprietary software resembles
an appetizing factory baked cake;
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well presented in a well kept package
and with a delightful scent.
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But if we want to see
the ingredients that it's made from,
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where are the ingredients?
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The cake turns out to be very appetizing,
but we cannot see its ingredients,
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so it does not inspire much confidence.
Also, it can pose a problem.
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People with special needs will not know
if the product adapts to their needs.
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We decided to speak with the business
of our proprietary software cake.
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It's necessary that they publicize
the composition of the cake.
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The man that answers our phone call
does not seem too pleased.
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He says that he cannot put the ingredients
of the cake on the package
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because other businesses
could copy their cakes.
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It took a lot of work to create
and improve their recipe.
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They need to protect it.
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It seems like this business relies
too much on its own recipe
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to take care of other people's needs.
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Free software functions differently.
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It's more like the pie recipe
that grandma makes.
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Grandma likes to cook
and make pie for herself and her family.
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Some of her grandchildren
also like to cook,
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so grandma gives them her pie recipe.
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Then each one at their home makes a pie
and shares it with friends.
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But the pies are no longer the same.
Each one of them slightly modifies
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the recipe to adapt it to their needs.
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The next day that they get together
at grandma's house,
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each one has a new recipe to share.
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Even one of the grandsons
that has a bakery decided to use one
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of the recipes to make pies
at his business.
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The next day that they get together,
he will also have a new recipe to share.
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Free software is about cooperation.
Free software is about sharing.
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Free software produces maximum benefit
with minimum effort.
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Free software grows
and improves very rapidly.
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thanks to the contributions
of its community.
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Free software is logical.
