Linux

So, why would you want to use free software ? It is not just that it doesn't cost anything, you can forget long fine-print contracts that give you no rights at all, there is little in the way of treacherous computing (more about this below.), and it is pretty much virus free so you can say goodbye to the virus checker and the fees that go with it.

Digital Restrictions Management (DRM)

"Windows Vista includes an array of 'features' that you don't want. These features will make your computer less reliable and less secure. They'll make your computer less stable and run slower. They will cause technical support problems. They may even require you to upgrade some of your peripheral hardware and existing software. And these features won't do anything useful. In fact, they're working against you. They're digital rights management (DRM) features built into Vista at the behest of the entertainment industry.

And you don't get to refuse them. ...

Microsoft put all those functionality-crippling features into Vista because it wants to own the entertainment industry. This isn't how Microsoft spins it, of course. It maintains that it has no choice...It's all complete nonsense." --Bruce Schneier, "DRM in Windows Vista"

If you are annoyed with high priced software that 'phones home', bothered by install procedures that interrupt your schedule, frustrated with the high cost of applications, unwilling to read EULAs (those long contracts that appear every time you make a change), or troubled by upgrades that disturb your actual work, you should have a look at free software. Click here.

When software is proprietary it is also not transparent or open to audit. This is a fatal flaw for applications such as voting machines. Look, for example at these links: Connecticut will be using Diebold voting machines. Check out elections.

DefectiveByDesign.org is campaigning to stop Digital Rights Management (DRM). See Bruce Schneir's website to find out who owns your computer or a guide to living a DRM-free existence.

Here is a link to an interview with Richard Stallman.

Sony BMG on its audio CDs included computer software to limit the way you can use your computer. They have installed what is known as a 'root kit' to hide the files that the copy protection program uses to track your usage. It also phones home over the internet when you use the product. Serious security holes including virus attacks are enabled by this software and, unless you are watching closely, you won't be aware that the program is present on your machine. If you delete the program, your disk drive could fail and you will need to bring it to the shop. Sony lost in court about this.
Protect your freedom!

LUG

Greater Hartford Linux Users Group a LUG (Linux User Group)

Much of the software that is bundled with Linux is from the GNU project. The GNU is an initiative of Richard Stallman as is the Free Software Foundation, a tax-exempt charity for free software development. Its website has over 4000 free software packages.

There is also a Boston User Group.