diff --git a/doc/web/intro_importance-of-open-source.md b/doc/web/intro_importance-of-open-source.md index bd496f68..ade37bf6 100644 --- a/doc/web/intro_importance-of-open-source.md +++ b/doc/web/intro_importance-of-open-source.md @@ -1,19 +1,57 @@ # Why does open-source matter so much? -Open Source gives you freedom. -You know everything about the TERES-I laptop. +Proprietary, closed-source products: + +- do not come with source code +- provide no access to the board's design layout +- do not allow users to easily add the functionality that they want +- do not allow users to modify what they don't like +- generally make it difficult (or impossible) to repair your own product + +On the other hand, open-source projects provide: + +## Transparency + +Most complex hardware projects are closed-source (i.e. black box) and you may only indirectly infer how components are connected or how things operate in general. +Open-source products transparency and freedom to know as much as possible about the products you and others enjoy. +You are able to review and modify open-source software. +You have full access to both the hardware and the software components and you are able to control every bit of your laptop. +You don't even have to purchase anything to access these resources; you can use our work (or parts of it) as a basis for existing projects. + +## Freedom To Modify + +Open-source hardware allows you and others to tailor the PCBs according to user needs. +For example, you are able to add more processors, memories, etc. + +It also gives you independence and self-sufficiency. +If a problem arises (any problem!), you have the freedom to fix it. + +We provide the hardware design files and schematics for the TERES-I laptop. +The hardware design is made with an open-source CAD tool called KiCad. + +## Peace Of Mind + +There is nothing hidden or "fine print" for you to worry about. +No lawyers will chase after you for using this material for personal or commercial use. +(Check the license for further information.) + +## Ease Of Use -We provide the hardware design files and schematics. -The hardware design is made with open CAD tool. -Nothing is hidden. The sources for the Linux distribution and step-by-step compilation instructions are available and easily accessible. -You have full access to both the hardware and the software parts and you are able to control every bit of your laptop. -You don't even have to purchase anything to access these resources – you can use our work (or parts of it) as a basis for own projects already. +Documentation can behave as living documents - aggregated reference materials to solve a veriety of uncertainties. -The educational value of such a product is high. -Most complex hardware projects are closed and you can only indirectly guess how things are connected or how things are operating in general. +## Education + +There is great educational value of open-source products, inherent in the availability of materials to study. + +## Support + +You don't have to count only on the availability of the technical support. +Don't like the way something works, have an idea for an improvement, or think the documentation sucks? +You can improve it yourself or ask others to help! + +## Longevity Open source gives guarantee for longevity. -It also gives you independence and self-sufficiency – if a problem appears you have the freedom to fix it. -You don't have to count only on the availability of the technical support. -Proprietary, closed-source products: do not come with source code; provide no access to the board's design layout; cannot easily add the functionality that you want; cannot modify what you don't like; no opportunity to repair your own product. +Contributors may fork the project, make improvements, and merge those improvements back into the main project to benefit everyone. +There is no concern that a company goes bankrupt and the products disappear.