I've heard about Open Software, and Free Software, and all those projects that are carried on by people for free.
How does that work? Is it really for free? Why do someone work for free wnen they could do something better with their time? Is there someone behind those projects providing the money? Because there's no free lunch. Someone is providing the resources somehow, right?
Thanks in advance,
Richard
Answer Richard,
Yes, Free Software is free. Open Software (Open Source) is also free, but with a caveat. It is free to download and use. What is means is that someone does not have to pay to use the software. It does not mean that others cannot charge for providing a CD (or other media) with the software.
Nor does it mean that a consultant cannot charge for working or supporting the software.
As to why someone would work for free, you would have to ask them yourself. I can tell you that I was a volunteer firefighter for 39 years, while supporting myself with a regular job also. I suppose it is a matter of pride or the self satisfaction you get knowing you have contributed to benefit others.
You are correct that someone is providing the resources. The PostgreSQL community consists of many contributors:
