Open Source Productivity Tools Course

The title of the entry is the name for the inter-semester module that I'm taking now. Yes, it sounds 'chim'. I wold have never choose it if not for my encounter with Firefox web browser during my Industrial Attachment. Being required to build extensions for Firefox web browser, 'forces' me to get into contact with the Mozilla community (they are the ones who developed Firefox web browser). It really puzzles me as to why would any one wants to distribute 'free' software like Firefox web browser. Why is this web browser gaining more users even thought Internet Explorer is so common and widely available? Why does Firefox's forum have so many devoted and dedicated members ? Why!!??
This module which I'm currently taking explains all my doubts. Seriously, I find it interesting to learn about politics which the cyber arena. Lol.. You get to know the history of open source tools or what is known as FLOSS --Free/Libre Open Source Software. In the beginning, like anyone who has a right mind, I tend to associate 'Free' with the 'Free of charge' meaning. Well, it's partially correct but that is not the actual meaning. The actual meaning is that the source code of the software is available as well, enabling people to looking at it and modify it to their liking.
Adding on, I never in my entire life knows about so many free software that we can download and use legally. More importantly, the are quite similar to Microsoft software. Eg: you have the Open Office tools which consists of tools similar to Microsoft word or presentation. Cool huh...For 'free' you can also use 'The Gimp' which have similar functions as the Photoshop. There's more la. Lol...
I even learn about a new type of copyright which is called cc. Instead of the traditional 'All rights reserved' , it indicates 'Some rights reserved'. Aiya..there's just so much juicy stuff during the lessons.
I maybe alone during the lectures, I maybe yawning most of the time, I maybe the one of the six girls among forty plus guys...but I'm sure I made the right choice in taking up this elective.