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# Why does open-source matter so much? # Why does open-source matter so much?
Open Source gives you freedom. Proprietary, closed-source products:
You know everything about the TERES-I laptop.
- 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. 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. Documentation can behave as living documents - aggregated reference materials to solve a veriety of uncertainties.
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.
The educational value of such a product is high. ## Education
Most complex hardware projects are closed and you can only indirectly guess how things are connected or how things are operating in general.
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. 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. Contributors may fork the project, make improvements, and merge those improvements back into the main project to benefit everyone.
You don't have to count only on the availability of the technical support. There is no concern that a company goes bankrupt and the products disappear.
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.