Open Source - the Basics

Open source (also known as free software) is a quickly growing force in computing. Open source, once the only way in which programs were written and distributed, became less well known as the PC market grew into a multibillion dollar industry. Open source software is developed by those that actually use the software, every new user potentially becomes a developer, distributor and advertiser.

How does this work? Computer programs start with the creation of source code using a programming language. These special languages are different from human languages; they make it easier for humans to communicate with the computer hardware. If not for programming languages, programmers would have to individually manipulate the switches using a series of on and off signals, which very quickly becomes impractical when dealing with tens of millions of switches in a modern desktop computer. Once the programmer has implemented all the features the program needs, it's compiled, becoming a string of ones and zeroes for the computer to read. The compiling process converts the human readable programming language source implemented all the features the program needs, it's compiled.

The compiling process converts the human readable programming language source code into a binary file that computers can read. Once the program has been converted to binary, changing it is no longer practical. If there are features you'd like to add (or remove), or errors (bugs) you'd like to fix, you need to modify the original source code and recompile the program to a binary. Access to the source code allows you complete freedom over the computer program. You can reuse it in other projects, you can share it with others. Compare this with open pollinated (OP) seed: you can save OP seed from year to year, you can share them with others. You truly own both open pollinated seed and open source software. Once obtained and properly maintained, they are yours as long as you don't destroy them.

Open source computer programs have another important benefit, the open nature allows rapid improvement and development by interested parties. Users of the software can easily become stakeholders providing or suggesting improvements to the program, or adapting the code to their specific requirements. This creates a dynamic culture that quickly and more fully responds to any computing environment. Since most open source code can be easily shared, this results in intellectual cross-pollination, speeding development and adaptation. As profits are not necessarily a driving consideration, small niches can be filled, providing benefits to a limited number of users. Open source allows the code to be adapted to unusual computing environments such as unusual or "obsolete" computer hardware or system configurations.

Closed source, proprietary code is any code which doesn't allow you access to the source code. This is similar to hybrid seeds, or patented varieties with restrictive licenses which limit your rights to save or share seeds. Neither are sustainable in the long term, both are methods used by abusive corporations with near monopoly control.

Organic Gardening -- The Basics

So what is organic gardening anyway? At its simplest, it is gardening without using any synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. The soil is improved by the addition of organic material. Weeds and bugs are controlled without harsh synthetic chemicals. 

The gardener strives to make the garden a compete and balanced ecosystem where no one pest, diesase or weed can take over. Healthy soil is the base of the garden. If you feed the soil the soil will feed the plants.

Organic material used to enrich the soil can be any sort of decaying plant matter: leaves, grass clippings, tree and shrub trimmings, kitchen waste. Animal manure is a great addidion to compost; it provides a wealth of nutrients for the soil. Compost can be worked into the soil or used as a mulch on top of the soil. 

Many insects are beneficial to the garden; some pollinate the flowers so you will have fruits, some are predators on insects that eat your plants. Poisonous sprays kill not only the pests but the beneficial insects also.

Frogs, toads, lizards and birds are some of nature's de-bugging squad. Avoiding the use of poisons helps these animals to thrive and eat the bugs that are bugging you.

Our Purpose

It seems natural to use organic and sustainable gardening if you want to have a long-term source of healthy food.  Heirloom plant varieties give more flavor and probably more nutrition than the mass-market hybrids. Corn should taste like corn not like sugar.

Open source software is a logical companion to organic gardening using open pollinated varieties.  Both free us from dependence on large, impersonal and greedy corporations who are more interested in extracting money from us than in providing quality products.