Free software: Some Brazilian translations

Abstract

We examine two histories in this paper. First, we briefly look at a North American history, in which we look at the relationship of free software with the founding principles of democracy. Second, we examine recent Brazilian history, especially the most policy decision to adopt free software, affirming technological autonomy. Democratic ideals, defended by the free software movement, are transformed in Brazilian politics, leading both to further free software development and a stronger democracy.

The FLOSS alternative: TRIPs, non-proprietary software and development

“…As Peruvian Congressman Edgar Villanueva stressed in a widely publicized exchange of letters with Microsoft Peru; 'to guarantee free access by citizens to public information, it is indispensable that the encoding and processing of data not be tied to any single provider ... the usability and maintenance of software should not depend on the goodwill of suppliers or on conditions imposed by them in a monopoly market ' (quoted in UNCTAD, 2003, p. 111). Similar concerns led the incoming government in Brazil to rename (and redirect) the Electronic Government Committee, becoming in 2003 the Free Software Technical Implementation Committee (Pinheiro and Cukierman, 2004). Indeed, Brazil's government has shifted it approach to 'informational development' fully into the realm of FLOSS.…”

“…The involvement of Microsoft in these projects prompted a largely negative reaction from FOSSFA, with one discussion list correspondent suggesting that the UNDP was promoting 'technological slavery' through the use of Microsoft products rather than supporting the development of local programming skills. 9 Likewise in Brazil, the head of a FLOSS-related software company drew (unsuccessful) legal action from Microsoft, for suggesting in the press that the donation of software licenses was similar to the practice of drug dealers, where 'the gratuitousness of the first dose aims at eventual drug dependence' (quoted in: Pinheiro and Cukierman, 2004). However, even with steep discounting and free give-aways, the longer-term cost issue retains it political salience.…”