I ran across a business website that refers to Amanda and Bacula as freeware. While I realize the average user may not recognize the difference, those of us who know better should distinguish clearly between the terms freeware and Free Software.

As free and open source software receives greater attention and recognition, several companies and packages are emerging as clear leaders and important influencers as well as visionaries that are sure to make a mark in the very near future. Here are my picks for who’s making a mark today and tomorrow on the FOSS world.

2,500 years ago, the Chinese philosopher Confucius asked Lao-tzu, the founder of Taoism, "What is Tao?" Lao-tzu opened his mouth but said nothing. Confucius left with a smile, but his students were puzzled. Confucius explained, "Lao-tzu has passed us the Tao. In his mouth, there are no teeth but only a tongue.

Not only do you not own that copy of Microsoft Word, that video game, or even that MP3 player, but like most people using commercial software (be it pirated or paid for in a shop), you also don't own any other way of accessing your information...

RMS: "I can’t foretell the future because it depends on you, and on your readers. The more users come to value freedom, and think as citizens, the more they will insist on freedom-respecting software. But if they continue to think as consumers, valuing short-term convenience at the expense of freedom, then the future of freedom will be at the mercy of practical side issues."

"...The modernization of our Public Administration imperative and because this modernization will only come to be if we can control our own information system, the need for a resolute and informed policy on the use of Free Software within Quebec’s public administration is long overdue..... "

Widespread coverage to Software Freedom day Celebrations in Local newspapers, is a fresh change from sidelined coverage in developer planets, slashdot, digg & variants. Free software is touching the lives of common man now !!