For the benefit of our readers, who are new to the concept, what exactly is 'free' software?
It's best described by the phrase, "Free as in Freedom, and not Free as in Free Beer." So, when I talk about free software (aka Swatantra software), I am not referring to the cost of the software but to the level of freedom it provides to the user.
How satisfied are you with the progress in the free software world?
We are moving towards horrible tyranny. People are being pressurised to use devices having non-free software for their day-today activities. And non-free software is malware. We have listed over 500 examples on gnu.org/malware.
If a company has control over the software you are using, then it is almost sure to use that control to mistreat you. However, it is possible to refuse, as I do that myself.
I refuse to have a portable phone as every portable phone is a tracking device, which can be modified into a listening device. These so-called smartphones I call them 'snoop' phones-invite you to talk to various online services or 'disservices.' But in the process, they snoop on you terribly; they can manipulate and pressurise you. It's not an acceptable kind of technology.
How do you define malware?
Malware is software designed to mistreat, harm, or annoy the user. Users might be expected to stop this abuse if they could control what the software does.
Do you consider marketing messages as malware?
Yes, because most users tend to turn those off in the settings. Software taking user permissions during installation is a racket. Users often don't understand what a program will actually do. But also in many cases, the choice is, either give permission for the program to do all these things, or it doesn't work at all.
How is then the choice of users determined?
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Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Electronics For You.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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STK435 IC-Based STEREO AMPLIFIER
This stereo AF amplifier uses the STK435 IC, a highly popular choice due to its simplicity.
A SEWER DRAIN SHIELD For Smart Cities
Drainage systems are vital for storm water management but often transport pollutants, especially plastics, to rivers and oceans, harming ecosystems.
ESP32 SPEECH FUNCTION: Text To Speech
Speech capability in technology primarily has two dimensions: text to speech (TTS) and speech to text (STT). This device focuses on TTS.
World's Smallest Programable INDUSPHONE DESIGN
This is the second part of designing the world’s smallest phone, where the UI is integrated with the basic functions of the phone.
FLAME-SENSING FIRE ALARM Using An Arduino Nano
Fire safety alarms are crucial in both residential and industrial environments.
loT-Based Distribution Transformer CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEM
The proposed IoT-based distribution transformer condition monitoring system enables real-time monitoring of distribution transformers, identifying such deviations as overload conditions and overheating.
Wi-Fi 6 AND Wi-Fi 7 Powering The Next Wave of Smart Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 leads with faster data rates and reduced latency while upcoming Wi-Fi 7's backward compatibility will facilitate gradual upgrades from Wi-Fi 6, easing transitions. However, advanced features like multi-link operation (MLO) and ultra-low latency may command a premium, making Wi-Fi 7 suited for high-end applications.
CHARGE FORWARD: High-Voltage Batteries And MSMEs Can Fuel INDIA'S EV REVOLUTION
A nuanced explanation of low- and high-voltage EV batteries by Dr Gokhale, Vice President for Battery Technology at JSW Energy, illuminates their advancements and influence. The essential role of MSMEs and academia in developing a strong EV ecosystem emerges, marking their significance for India's push towards self-reliance in this innovative field.
"MILES TO GO Before I Sleep"
A teacher illuminates the path to success through the light of knowledge, yet some teachers extend that light to society through their contributions and research. Known as the architect of the modern M3 electronic voting machine (EVM) and the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) that transformed India's democratic process, Prof. (Dr) Rajat Moona's journey began in the modest town of Bareilly. Here is his story, as recounted to and written by EFY's Yashasvini Razdan.
STARTUPS & INNOVATORS
1 One Charger To Charge All Your Devices | 2 Harnessing AI Technology For Efficient Pest Management | 3 Wireless Light-Based Communication With Velmenni's Technology
