61 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
61 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
# Why does open-source matter so much?
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Proprietary, closed-source products:
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- do not come with source code
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- provide no access to the board's design layout
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- do not allow users to easily add the functionality that they want
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- do not allow users to modify what they don't like
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- generally make it difficult (or impossible) to repair your own product
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On the other hand, open-source projects provide:
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## Transparency
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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.
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Open-source products transparency and freedom to know as much as possible about the products you and others enjoy.
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You are able to review and modify open-source software.
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You have full access to both the hardware and the software components and you are able to control every bit of your laptop.
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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.
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## Freedom To Modify
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Open-source hardware allows you and others to tailor the PCBs according to user needs.
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For example, you are able to add more processors, memories, etc.
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It also gives you independence and self-sufficiency.
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If a problem arises (any problem!), you have the freedom to fix it.
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We provide the hardware design files and schematics for the TERES-I laptop.
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The hardware design is made with an open-source CAD tool called KiCad.
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## Peace Of Mind
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There is nothing hidden or "fine print" for you to worry about.
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No lawyers will chase after you for using this material for personal or commercial use.
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(Check the license for further information.)
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## Ease Of Use
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The sources for the Linux distribution and step-by-step compilation instructions are available and easily accessible.
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Documentation can behave as living documents - aggregated reference materials to solve a veriety of uncertainties.
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## Education
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There is great educational value of open-source products inherent in the availability of materials to study.
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You will likely learn many new things during assembly of this DIY laptop.
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You can build it together along with children or students, sparking interest in electronics and technology in general.
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You will know every bit of your laptop and will be able to fix if something doesn't suit your needs or gets damaged.
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## Support
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You don't have to count only on the availability of the technical support.
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Don't like the way something works, have an idea for an improvement, or think the documentation sucks?
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You can improve it yourself or ask others to help!
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## Longevity
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Open source gives guarantee for longevity.
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Contributors may fork the project, make improvements, and merge those improvements back into the main project to benefit everyone.
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There is no concern that a company goes bankrupt and the products disappear.
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