Why I like Linux

I'm sort of tired of having to tell people why I like Linux and not any other
OS (even the beautiful OSX).. So, I thought to myself.. Why not post the
reasons on my blog?? That way, I don't have to explain myself again and
again.. There is only one reason that I choose Linux.. Freedom.. That's it..

FREEDOM OF KNOWLEDGE
I believe in the whole concept of transparency inherent to open source.. It
will ultimately result in a better product than a closed-source product.. The
concept of openness and transparency is extremely important in ensuring the
progress of technology..

How could a person possibly learn in a school without any books or teachers??
I guess that as a engineer, I'm trained to ask the "How" and "Why".. So,
having transparent access to the guts of a programme appeals to me.. That
being said, I don't read the kernel source for fun..

I wouldn't have gained the knowledge and skills that I have today if it wasn't
for the open availability of source codes.. This allowed me to learn the
skills that I have from the people who were good at it..

FREEDOM OF CHOICE
This is another freedom that is available only in open source products.. As
the user of an open source product, I'm allowed to do whatever I want with
the software.. This includes rewriting it, reusing it in any way I see fit,
and even reselling it.. As long as the proper chain of intellectual property
is maintained..

Most closed-source products grant the users the right to use the products only
as the publishers intended.. And they severely restrict how the software
should be used.. You cannot for example, install the OS on another computer..
If you breach any of these rights, the publishers reserve the right to sue..

Imagine buying a car and being told that it can only be used on a trunk roads
and motorways.. If the car is driven on a dirt path, the publisher reserves
the right to sue the consumer.. Now, what kind of sane person would submit to
those kind of terms..

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
There's actually a lot more that I can say about freedoms and open source and
Linux.. but that's all the time I have for now..