RIBNITZ Robert wrote:
More precisely, I am unclear about the terms Free Software and OPen Source Software.
Free Software guarantees certain Freedoms to be able to run, explore, share, modify and distribute the code. (Access to the source is essential to be able to do some of the above.)
Open Source suggests that you may (under certain conditions) have access to (some of) the Source (code).
Do you know of any Software that is both open source, and non-free,
There is plenty - from SuSE's Yast to Windows CE.
or that is free, but not Open Source?
No - this would not be possible (by definition).
Are theses distictions anything else than a political choice?
You mean the political choice between having freedom and not having freedom? All life is choice (and politics with a small 'p').
'Open Source' was started by a group of people who wished to promote Free Software by giving it a certain marketing spin. Unfortunately, by not emphasising Freedom, the term 'Open Source' now has little distinct meaning - and certainly does not apply exclusively to Free Software (cf WindowsCE).
For more info on Free Software (definition and philosophy) have a good look around www.fsf.org
hth
- Richard