Jon 'Maddog' Hall discusses open source
Zachary Collins
Issue date: 4/8/05 Section: Sci-Tech
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Maddog, a graduate of Drexel, presented his free lecture, "Free and Open Source in Business, Education and Government" to an audience of approximately 60. The lecture included topics such as the history of free and open source software, the problems with mass production of software, a new model of developing software, security issues, and what students should be learning in college.
"Who in the world could make a living making programs for computers," asked Hall, as he explained his transition from electrical engineering.
In the past, Jon Hall has worked for a variety of companies including Aetna, Bell Labs and Digital Equipment.
Hall expressed that everybody should have the "freedom to read the source code, the freedom to make changes to the source code, the freedom to redistribute those changes and the freedom to use the code for any purpose," which open source allows.
"How many languages are fiscally sound?" Hall asked. He continued that India has two character sets, 18 official languages and 5,000 unofficial languages. Some companies do not find it in their best business interest to make software usable for so many languages.
While talking about security in software, Hall mentioned that it is more than just keeping secrets safe. It is also longevity of the project. Some companies rely on certain software and people want help in times of crisis.
Hall also expressed his position on software patents. At one time he was an advocate for them, but now he finds them "evil, not just bad, evil."
Hall questions why we are protecting artificial monopolies when we should be working together. Hall jokes he would choose Satan over software patents.
Since the audience included professors as well as students, "Maddog" suggested what should be taught. Instead of using just one operating system, Hall urged a variety of operating systems and letting students figure out which ones they want to use.
In addition, Hall discussed what the goals of university are, because "sometimes we forget."
At first, Hall believed that the goal of college was to get a good job; however, the real goal, according to Hall, is to create a thinking electorate and thinking workforce.
After thanking his former professors at Drexel University, Hall opened the floor to questions which the crowd feverishly took advantage of.
Some individuals were curious about a possible rise of Linux taking over the commercial operating systems, like Apple.
For dedicating his time to speak with his alma mater, Jon "Maddog" Hall was presented with a decorative poster of the event.
The next lecture of the Dean's Seminar Series will be with Professor Susan Stein, April 20.
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