I long been curious about the mostly positive views of Linux here on FR.
Given that many of the people behind free software such Richard Stallman are leftists and/or atheists, how do you personally reconcile their politics with the operating system itself?
I’m aware that people like Larry Wall (a Christian) and Eric Raymond (a supporter of gun rights) are exceptions to the broad brush of liberalism pervasive in Linux and free software.
I don't worry about their politics. Don't have to as I don't give them any money.
With MS, every OS sold contributes to their leftist politics as you are (directly or indirectly) financing them. Same thing with Apple.
There is a big difference in buying Windows and getting linus for free. With linux you are not supporting anyone with your money, with Windows you are supporting no end of left wing idiots with your money. I run both XP and Mint(a better version of Ubuntu)on my computer. And you think somehow Bill Gates is a conservative?
Speaking for myself, I don't see the need. The OS is a product and I do not analyze the politics behind the provider for everything I buy. Why should computer software be any different?
If I were to concern myself with this, I would be unable to actually use a computer. Sure, there are plenty of leftists and atheists in OSS. Bill Gates is a liberal, his organization has provided incredible sums to Planned Parenthood. Steve Jobs is a liberal. So, if you don't use Linux, Windows, or a Mac, there isn't much left. I guess there's BSD, but it shares a lot of its ecosystem with Linux. And we haven't even looked at the OEMs in the PC world.