On 18/12/13 19:20, aaz893 wrote: > Why non-FLOSS is unethical? Because proprietary software stops a user from having control over their computer.
Many forms of proprietary software save file/s on the computer, which can only be used by proprietary software. If a user sends a file created by a proprietary program to another user, that other user then has the choice of getting a copy of the proprietary software and accepting the EULA, or not using the file. In a lot of cases, proprietary software has a cascading effect and most people end up signing the EULA. All of those users rely on the software developer, who can change the EULA whenever he/she wants to. I highly recommend watching the film "Terms And Conditions May Apply" for reasons as to why this is dangerous for society: http://tacma.net/. As RMS says, proprietary software is anti-social. All of the users become helpless, and their acceptance of proprietary software cascades and makes more users helpless. So to answer your question, I think proprietary software is unethical because it is anti-social. Andrew.
