Security Geek-Ed

or so says a wonderful song by NRBQ. I’m getting frustrated by writers who refer to applications and operating systems as “free” (as in beer, as in speech?) The real deal is more complicated than that. Any complex system is going to take time to learn, time to manage, time to update, etc. Youll also find bugs and mis-features, or features you want that no one else is willing to develop. None of this is “free.” It all reflects a commitment and an investment, as well as a “road not taken.” I’m reminded of a radio commercial for a transmission company in the Greater Boston area (and I can’t remember which one, sorry): “you can pay me now, or you can pay me later.”Free (no charge) software hides the cost at the back end.

So, yes, some software products can be obtained “free of charge.” No $$, paid for by the $0 bill. Just beware the hidden costs.