Brazil is Jumping out of Windows

     In response to a podcast dated Sept. 15 2004, Brazil made a big push against Microsoft and I say “way to go!” The president at that time declared that the country was no longer going to support Microsoft and in fact was going to switch over to Linux and or other open-source options. He even went as far as calling Microsoft drug pushers and claimed that the “free” software to low income families Microsoft was offering was just a way to get the country hooked on Windows. Microsoft of course wasn't very pleased by this but played it cool and responded with:

"We strongly believe that governments and computer users should be free to choose whichever software and other technology best meets their needs. But when all the costs and benefits are taken together, we think Microsoft offers the best value."

     Not only would it cost an estimated 2 billion dollars a year to license all the pirated software the government admits to using, but also by making the switch from Windows to open-source software, Brazil would save another 120 million dollars a year. This movement has a lot to do with finances and the fact the the government feels Windows is too expensive, but this change also has some other feelings and reasons behind it as well.

     There is a large community that think not only about the fact of the software being free, but also about the fact that a lot of times the free software works better, faster, and is more secure when it comes to things like viruses. Also some feel that nationalism comes into play and in ways freeware and open-source software is not only anti-Microsoft but also anti-American. These feelings are being supported with Brazilian based distros of Linux.

     One last plus side to note is that some of the largest open-source tech support companies are based out of Brazil. With the open-source movement increasing the business to those companies, it also in turn, is helping Brazil's economy by supplying more jobs and cash flow. I feel this was a very good decision on the part of Brazil and it's government. I can't wait to see the outcome in the next few years and also really hope to see more of this happening world wide.

Other resource:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4602325.stm

Moving along with the Linux based propaganda...