[libre-riscv-dev] video about open source & endurance

[Luke Kenneth Casson Leighton]

On Mon, Mar 16, 2020 at 1:30 AM Jacob Lifshay <programmerjake at gmail.com> wrote:

> no, that's correct. it's talking about how things from back then were
> designed to last a long time and how modern proprietary computing stuff is
> not and how open source software is more likely to last a long time.

i know someone who does long-term support on hardware designs.   20
years and above.

he *only* uses software libre PCB CAD packages.

why?

because he takes the *entire* source code - of the entire operating
system - not just the PCB CAD packages (KiCAD usually) - the entire
*operating system* - snapshotting absolutely everything.

why?

because in 15 years time, the way that modern computing is going, the
possibility of being able to successfully run that PCB CAD software,
developed 15 years ago, and fix any PCB issues for the customer, is
extremely remote bordering on negligeable.

and that's even in the open source community.

you will also be keenly aware that the open source community
completely fails to respect and honour "version compatibility and
upgradeability".

so do not buy the kool-aid that open source is and will be
"compatible".  yes it will be around, however the chances of being
able to successfully run even a version of a tool from 6 months ago
let alone 15 years is extremely borderline.

l.