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[Nathan Hale]

Sure...Linux, Firefox and other free and open source tools are cool on a technical level, but what makes them so great for productivity? In my opinion, their value extends beyond just being awesome apps. The fact that in general I retain more control over my data is great, and the shear amount of quality software that is available to me at next to no monetary cost is a true blessing, but it's even more than that. What I love about using and promoting free software is that I can take an active role in helping refine and develop applications that not only benefit me, but thousands of other people as well. And when I introduce an app like Notecase or Gnome-Do to a friend or reader at my blog, not only do they get to improve their productivity, but they now have the same opportunities as I do to freely distribute the the software to others and directly contribute to the project.

I get to be productive and be part of a self-sustaining chain of helping others be productive, all while using some of the best apps out there and truly owning my own data.

Why do you use open tools?

[Michael Ramm]

Why do you use open tools?

You have nailed it correctly!

My main decision factor is that they are generally free, and that you (usually) have a direct pipeline to the developers to talk about bugs/feature requests, etc. Of course, there are exceptions (Open Office, comes to mind) but in general, you have a means to get feedback to the devs. A lot of time feedback will be evaluated and (possibly) implemented much quicker than a big proprietary piece of software.

Michael

[Jamie Phelps]

For me, open tools are about extensibility. Backpack isn't free, but it's open, you know? I can get my data out of there any time I want with just a little bit of command line junkery and it's theoretically possible for me to write an application that does what I need to with the API. The same goes for Flickr. I love their service because I can write some simple scripts to get my images out of there.

I contrast that with something like Facebook. I pipe a lot of information into Facebook, but I never put anything I would ever care about directly into Facebook because it's a one way street. It's pulling teeth to get my information back out.

Another contrast is between Yojimbo and Evernote. I regret moving all my data to Evernote because now I want to go back to Yojimbo and I can't export. Yojimbo makes this easy. With Evernote, my export comes in a proprietary file format. BOOO!

So, for me, open doesn't necessarily mean free for me. It means the degree to which I can change if I need to or the mood simply strikes me.

[marduk]

Because they're mine.

I have or can get the source code and use them free forever. With that and open data formats/standards, It's free as in beer and free as in freedom. What's not to like?

[Shane McCarron]

I think "what's not to like" is the someone else's problem aspect.  I am a big proponent of "Open Systems" and "Open Computing" - that's the industry I have been in since 1985.  But for many people the cost of free software is too high.  It is not maintained reliably, the support channel can be dicey, installation can be difficult if you are not an expert.

I encourage lots of people to use what I consider to be "high quality" freeware.  I also encourage them to donate to the authors or their favorite causes.  But for some users, like my parents, I would rather spend the money on something that just works, has telephone support, and is made by a company with a name the recognize.

I guess my point is that you need to pick your audience.  I am a great candidate for using free software, and I require that software I use have open formats or at least a clear import / export path.  For others...  I think it makes a lot of sense to evaluate their short and long term requirements before making a recommendation.  Just because a hammer is free, doesn't mean you should use it to put in a screw.  It might not even mean you should use it to put in a nail!

[Nathan Hale]

You make a fantastic point. This is why I really like Google's services...everything is easily backed up off of their servers, in industry standard formats.

Great point...openness can extend even into non-free software.