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One thing I know its not: its not every car I see in the window.

That's what I was beginning to suspect--you have no idea what it is you are argusing against.

Open source is source code from computer programs that is open for anyone to look at. That's it. Nothing more.

So my claim of cars and planes being open source? Perfectly valid. Anyone can go in and look at how it is put together. That's how and why we have third-party repair manuals.

Open source is governed under several different licenses in order to grant priviliges not otherwise granted under copyright. Make no mistake--copyright is still under full force with open source.

Perhaps you mean to argue against the GPL? Or the BSD license?

"That's what I was beginning to suspect--you have no idea what it is you are argusing against"

I am wiling to bet know what I am about and what life is about, far more than you do. I know exactly what I am arguing against.

"Open source is source code from computer programs that is open for anyone to look at. That's it. Nothing more."

If you think that is all open source is about, you are even more confused than I thought.

"So my claim of cars and planes being open source? Perfectly valid. Anyone can go in and look at how it is put together"

You claim about every car being open source is utter nonsense and the rantings of a deranged psychopath.

"Open source is governed under several different licenses in order to grant privileges not otherwise granted under copyright. Make no mistake--copyright is still under full force with open source."

So how come Linux has so much stolen IP in it then?

Finally an explaination as to what open source means.

Open Source/Standards are what computing and networking was built on since the early 80's. Everything was out in the open for different vendors and innovators to develop and improve what was already in existence.

If everything would have been closed and proprietary, like the M$ kool-aid drinkers advocate, we may not even be on the Internet now as we know it.

Could you imagine what it would be like right now if a Cisco router couldn't communicate with a 3COM router? What if the computer you were using couldn't get on the Internet because the proprietary networking protocols of the manufacturer of your PC didn't agree with the protocols of the next router in your packet's journey.

How about if your computer couldn't network with another computer you just purchased because, for example, Dell and HP, because each have their respective networking protocols closed?