* Rainer Trusch writes:
OfB: What are some of the advantages of Free Software for businesses?
RMS: Free software means you control what your computer does. Non-free software means someone else controls that, and to some extent controls you. Non-free software keeps users divided and individually helpless; free software empowers the users. All these reasons apply just as well to business users as to individuals.
[...]
I read this argument quite often and think it's pretty useless in a broader few. The vast majority of users can't programm and is still depending on someone else. On a business level you are more likely to have someone being capable to give you this control or you can hire someone. On a private level that doesn't work and you are one or another way "controlled" by someone else.
The vast majority of users can learn to program, it is just like learning a new language. If the program is proprietary, then the user will never get the chance to ever see (so that s/he can learn) or modify (also to learn) the source code, which are two of the four freedoms. If I can't read or write in a particular language, then I can ask a friend (or a company) to do it, if I can read/write, then I can do it my self.
Cheers,