Re: [gNewSense-users] Re: gNewSense-users Digest, Vol 35, Issue 10

[Sam Geeraerts]

Gaspar Núñez schreef:
> I basically agree with every point
>
> the only problems are (in the hope that this will contribute to the
> discussion):
>
> 1. i'm starting and i'd like to use as much free software as possible
> but i have to make a living, and i'm working on things that GAMS does,
> and as far as i know there is no free software for that
> (I`m already working with R and Maxima and this programs
> cant´t do the job I need )

There are many ways to make a living without the need for GAMS.

> 2. unfortunately not everyone of those wanting to switch to free software is
> a developer,
>  if i were to start learning how to program and develop the software i need,
> it would take several years

You don't have to be a programmer to be able to contribute. You could 
help by informing the developers about missing features and help to test 
them when they get implemented. You could help write documentation, so 
that the developers can spend their time on code. You could tell about 
this free software if they don't know it yet, and help them to use it. 
And there are probably many other ways of contributing. Just ask the 
project members what they need help with.

> 3. if a go to people like those of spss for example
> telling them to develop free software (assuming they would listen)
> it would also take several years to see some useful contribution (if any)

If all users of SPSS would tell them that, they would listen. And if 
they really want to, they could be making valuable contributions in a 
short while.

> Therefore those of us trying to switch to free software, having to make a
> living,
> and who are not experts in software programmimng and development,
> have to try as much free software as possible to get the job done
> which also takes a lot of time specially for those of us trying to migrate
> from ms windows, ms office, and the like, which we have been working
> with for a long time

Naturally you can't become a guru overnight. The important thing is that 
you understand the idea behind free software.