by Lam Luu

Created on: July 11, 2008   Last Updated: May 23, 2009

Many of us have heard of GNU/Linux. It is secure, some experts proclaim, untouchable by viruses and malware; it is free, say some economists, so you don't need to pay for it; it is easy to use, powerful, and fun, tout some advocates. However, in this mix, too often do we forget the most important benefit of GNU/Linux. It is the reason of the unparalleled security, extremely low cost, ease of using, power, performance, fun, and everything in between. It is liberty (I will use this term here to avoid the whole business of "free" speech vs. "free" beer).

Let's pause for a moment, and imagine you are going to have a new house. Now, you have two options: either you will design the house yourself, or you will have someone else do that for you. Of course, by "design by yourself," I mean "with help if necessary." Which one would you prefer?

When you choose a predesigned house, it will be more beautiful. After all, professional designers and artists are paid a fortune to do that job. Maybe when you see it for the first time, it is so impressive that you would buy it immediately. When your friends come over, they will be thrilled by how pretty the house is, how every single details are designed to capture the attention of the observers. Sounds good?

However, in the end of the day, it is only another house. You have no more attachment to it than the money you spend to buy it. Furthermore, being built before knowing its future owner, the house is designed to satisfy as many people as possible. Thus, you may find many details that don't really work for you. Remember, in daily life, the details matters more than the face. Lastly, as beautiful as the house is, it is not unique. You cannot have the house designed just for you, so your neighbors will have exactly the same house. Beautiful, but common.

Now, imagine you design your own house. True, it's not the most beautiful in the world, but it's yours, truly. You know who you are, you know your need (maybe with some advice from the builder), and what you want. Your house may not be as pretty as your friend's, but it is unique. Furthermore, it is comfortable: it is built to solve your problems, your needs, your dreams, not someone else's.

The liberty to design your own things is always pleasurable. It is why people change the wheels of their cars, or repaint them, or eleborate their houses, or work on their own things. Furthermore, the very work that you spend on your product makes it extremely valuable. Imagine your friend

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