The Apple vs. Epic saga put me on the path to open source

Source: Windows Key

The Ballsy Games vs. Apple saga is well storied already so that I won't exist going over old ground here. But the whole sorry tale did prompt me to rethink how I use my tech, both for work and for personal apply. Because big tech companies can fire you lot, and often do.

I'm not really a Fortnite player, so the loss of access on iOS doesn't really affect me, but non being able to use xCloud on there certainly does. All of these big companies take their ecosystem plays, and it seems y'all're not entirely safe locking into whatsoever of them.

And while it's impossible to avoid in many cases, there's enough of software out there that doesn't rely on the shackles of Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, so on. Costless and open up-source software (FOSS) doesn't just come without a toll tag; information technology comes gratuitous of any required attachments to a large ecosystem, and in probably more cases than yous call back, it can alter the fashion you utilize a PC.

Big tech cancels or changes products at its user's price

Source: Windows Central

Remember Windows Telephone? The biggest example of a tech cancellation in recent memory for regulars to this site, but it's proof of how big things can get when it comes to pulling the rug out from under the users, from under united states of america. By contrast, Android is open source, so even if Google, for some reason, decided to stop making a phone Bone, someone else would likely pick up the reigns. Indeed custom versions have been a matter since pretty much the beginning.

It isn't quite the same equally what's going on betwixt Ballsy and Apple, of course, but its impact was very similar. A bunch of people who relied on this thing being around and then had to starting time looking elsewhere. Had Microsoft open up-sourced Windows for phones, I guarantee in that location would be a community still building and supporting devices.

These companies all make changes or closures, and it'south y'all and I that suffer for information technology.

Simply it happens on a smaller calibration, too. Most recently, Apple tree caused Dark Sky and has since shut down its Android app, and the API will cease to function from the end of next year. Affecting users and affecting developers, both of which will have to transition to something else.

Facebook recently announced that Oculus owners will be forced to login with a Facebook account soon. And some of u.s.a. never got over the closure of Google Reader. Even today.

All different examples, but there'south a common theme. All of these ecosystem plays come at a price. All the big tech companies want, no, demand to lock yous in to continue a steady source of revenue, but it's non necessarily in your best interests.

FOSS doesn't just mean Linux

Source: GIMP

The function of the Epic vs. Apple statement I agree with the most is that at that place's no alternative on iOS to buying apps. No alternative ways no competition, which ways Apple can keep charging developers xxx%, and the users of the platform ultimately pay the price.

Android, of class, is a little more open, with alternatives to acquire apps that don't involve Google, such as Samsung's ain shop, the Amazon Appstore, and of form, Huawei's AppGallery since they don't even have access to Google. Simply there are options out there.

Options are what you get with FOSS. And information technology doesn't mean you have to use Linux. Open-source software is prevalent across Windows, Mac, and Linux, equally well every bit mobile and the web. I've been dabbling more recently with Linux and Chrome OS aslope my regular Windows ten utilise. I have already plant several astonishing applications that piece of work on all those platforms that are capable of replacing software I've been using for years.

Open source apps tin can be amazing

Source: Windows Central

Many years ago, I used GIMP, a popular cross-platform open-source image editor along the lines of Photoshop. And so, for reasons I can't really understand, I moved to paying for an Adobe CC subscription. Now I'm back on GIMP, or more specifically, a forked version chosen Glimpse. This is an incredibly impressive piece of software with plugins galore available, supporting Windows, Mac, and Linux and costing absolutely naught. No subscription to Adobe, but keen software congenital past people who but desire to make it every bit expert every bit it can be. Video editors would do well to check out the impressive KDenLive, which can also exist used on all the major platforms every bit an culling to Adobe Premiere.

It doesn't stop in that location, either. Microsoft 365 is a great packet, but if all you want is something lighter, free, and compatible with Office files, in that location are suites like LibreOffice. Once again, this is available on all the major platforms, completely free and open source. Microsoft has been contributing more to the open-source community of late, too, with i example being its Visual Studio Code awarding. A personal favorite is StackEdit, a spider web-based open-source markdown editor which has become my new place for writing all my work.

And did you lot know that the Telegram app is open source? It'due south too a much better service than WhatsApp and can be used on many platforms all at once.

The future is open source

Source: Kdenlive

Obviously, there will always be ecosystem tie ins and places you're unable to avoid "the homo." Gaming is a big 1, of grade, and content. But in those cases, you should e'er go along your options open. If you buy all your content in Microsoft's store, and so what happens if, as has happened in the past, Microsoft decides to pull the plug?

I'm hardly an expert; I'1000 simply just beginning to notice my feet in the world of open-source software. Merely this whole debacle where one enormous visitor has stopped another enormous company using its services because information technology wants to keep more than money for itself shines a aureate glow on the FOSS community.

These folks are making good software for the sole purpose of making good software. If you choose to toss a few bucks their style to help cover costs and keep the evolution railroad train rolling, that's great; I've washed that regularly.

The effect isn't things costing money, I'm happy to pay, and I'1000 happy to donate to developers offer a free production to aid them continue doing skilful work. The issue is when big business decisions start affecting the little guy. Us. I want to use the software I know was built for the sole purpose of beingness a good piece of software, not to lock me into a subscription or continue me using 1 particular platform. It's refreshing, and information technology's been a existent middle-opener starting to explore what's out at that place.

As well, if yous're already a fan of some keen open up source software, share it with the states in the comments below so nosotros can all capeesh information technology.

Tech warfare

Intel, AMD may stop exports of their CPUs to Russian federation in response to the state of war

A new report from RBC claims Intel and AMD are set to comply with new sanctions imposed by the Us on sales and exports of specific technologies to Russia in response to its invasion. TSMC, who likewise makes some of Russian federation'south own fries, is besides said to be complying. The news, if authentic, could severely hurt Russia'south economy as companies would not be able to add, supercede, or...

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/apple-vs-epic-made-me-explore-open-source-software

Posted by: sampsonthemposs.blogspot.com

Share this post