Open Source

Proprietary software works well enough for most of its users, so why worry about lock-in? A look at a risk nobody can quantify, and at what it would really cost to prepare an exit.

Using Free and Open Source Software is the best way to make sure you can always open and edit your own hardware design files. Printed Circuit Board design serves as an example.

Public institutions could have far more impact on society by sharing their hardware designs as Open Source Hardware. Why this rarely happens today, and what individuals, foundations and governments can do about it.