Monday, February 1, 2010

FSF vs OSI and Battle for Wesnoth

FSF vs OSI
The biggest difference between the terms Open Source Initiation and Free Software Foundation is the point of view, but both are created for free use. That means a possibility to develop and create, instead of using a software as a basic help for creating something.

The meaning of the term 'free software' may be a little misleading, because there is nothing to do with money. Actually it is a game of words, meaning a software that allows more freedom for its user. Therefore, the better word for the term would be 'freedom' instead of 'free'.

Open Source, therefore, is a movement - like an expansion for the term FS. It means that the main accent isn't on the freedom, but the possibility to improve and develope the code by having an overview and access of the source code.

There is still lots of confusion between FSF and OSI, as both still seem to refer to the same principles. I differ them this way: 'free software' is all about the freedom user gets in his moves, 'open source' is more methodological and practical way of improving the code.

Battle for Wesnoth
I don't consider a free software game 'Battle for Wesnoth' an easy one, because I am not familiar with computer games. Though, the assignment of making a campaign as a groupwork is challenging, because it gives a real practical touch of FS game.

The logic of the game is to conquer the enemies, thereby, a player has time to think through his moves - time isn't counting. The game is more on strategical thinking than just 'being a first to finish'.

What I like about the game, a user can create a game of his own. One can create a whole new storyline, units, weapons, characteristics, etc. At the same time, the main logic goes the same with other video games: a player gets points by occupying and also extra points by some certain action are available.

As I mentioned before, I'm not a fan of computer games, I definately find strategical games more interesting than games that are on time and where only thing that matters is shooting or racing.