Re: [microsound] the politics of open-source (was: PD Linux audio workshops

[john saylor <js@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

hi

( 03.11.02 07:32 -0800 ) Phil Thomson:
> I don't really know all that much about using compilers, and it's hard
> for me to use software that requires the use of a compiler for
> installation.

what have software have you tried? there are packages and ports
available in different formats for different flavors of linux or BSD.

> Open-source software also tends to presume a high level of computer
> knowledge to which not everyone has access.

well, as a computer musician [even a glitchy one], you've got to have
some skills with your tools. i think it's more a matter of wanting to
take the time to read and experiment to learn, as opposed to access to
materials that can teach you.

but, if you're going to do anything with the source [like learn from it,
or change it to do what you want], you need to be a programmer. which,
as you point out, most are not.

i only use a few tools [audacity, pd, csound], but lately have been
using the windows side to save time. with a family and a job, i'd rather
spend the music time i have doing music instead of fixing my tools.
however, i usually want to shower after logging out of win2k ...

i'd agree that open source is politically much closer to what
.microsound is culturally. i mean microsoft is the freakin evil empire
incarnate- capitalism run amok!

bill gates == j.p. morgan
richard stallman == leon trotsky

-- 
\js         .=)         '       ./$      {:#*_== 

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