http://www.thebigbangoxford.co.uk/

You might think this is way too traditional but wait a minute: the sausages are everything but traditional…

Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Connie (Canada)

PS: Wolf, the pdf doesn’t work

However, this is not so much about Linux vs. Windows but about whether Linux (or Free Software/Open Source) really is the generative software we intuitively would assume it is. My clear answer is YES. However, although Open Source/Free Software basically implies generativity you are right to point out that it can also be used to effectively shut down generativity as we see for example in handhelds or, as JZ just mentioned, in TiVos.
In terms of enabling generativity I see two distinct issues: capability and control.
First we need hardware or software that has the capability for generativity. So we need a PC rather than a TiVo. And we need Linux rather than some proprietary operating system. Second, however is the question of control. If someone, be it a company or a systems administrator, has the power to control, they can basically take away all the generative capabilities of the hardware/software. Then its just an appliance.

So in essence both – generative capability and the ability to use it – have to come together. In order to keep generative potential we want to make sure we have hardware and software with fully generative capabilities. (This does not go against the fact that there are surely enough areas where you do not need such complicated systems, e.g. I do not need a remote control with fully generative capabilities).
On top of that is the question on who should have how much power to control the use of these capabilities. I would argue that this is essentially a negotiation for every individual case about what contributes more to the public good (if I may use this grand term). We might well argue it makes sense for the OII systems administrator to lock down the system as the availability of computing facilities, Internet access etc. to enable research is more important to the public good than people having the freedom to use it for whatever. For the TiVo, we might argue that there is no benefit in locking out users from using it generatively but essentially I think there is not automatic right or wrong controlling. To enable this kind of negotiation we first have to decide on what value we place on generativity for the benefit of mankind – and I think this is exactly the debate Jonathan is trying to stir up.