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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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[theoretical] What would the real impacts of FOSS software becoming more prevalent in all segments of society? (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 5 days ago by qyron@sopuli.xyz to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Thumbing through the feed, the news on how this or that organization letting go of commercial options for day to day operations are mounting.

This led me to wonder what would be the impact if FOSS, be it on the OS front, productivity front or whatever, was to become truly a relevant option.

I'm painfully aware of the difficulties I've faced trying to take a few online courses to be faced with borderline desdain for not using Windows/Office/Etc and opting for FOSS solutions.

Paying/supporting a FOSS solution does not offend me. I'm happier when giving money directly to a developer or project than to an opaque company. But I'm just one.

But what could happen if the ones became millions, actively contributing with a few coins per year to projects we use daily?

What could/would happen in the short term (under a year), medium-long (one to three years) and the long term (over ten years)?

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[–] Cyber@feddit.uk 6 points 4 days ago

The scalability problem with FOSS is monetary and motivation.

The successful products need longterm financial security in order to plan and support their peoduct(s) - so, do we start seeing more subscriptions as corp. sponsorship fades away?

And, just like XKCD 2347, FOSS needs to step up and support the components they rely on

That's going to need some more maturity from the developers too: it's a great feeling doing something new and interesting, but - like having a pet - you can't just abandon something when you're bored of it, or too busy, without rehoming your project(s)...

That's where I see the industry needs to improve before they're really ready for the big time.