[NTLUG:Discuss] [Bulk] Re: Explaining Linux and Open Sourcesoftware

[John K. Taber]

Leroy Tennison asked:

[how to pitch Open Source Software to a non-technical audience]

First, it must be recognized that "open source" is itself jargon (oops,
"technical." Didn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings.)

So, don't use the term! 

The essence seems to be legally free software that you can modify at
will for your own purposes.

However, the non-technical audience may be terrified at the thought of
modifying their own software, so it might need some reassurances on this
point. They won't modify it, but open software enables a worldwide
community of experts to add to and modify the software, that you can
use, all of it legally, and without fees.

Something like that.

John K. Taber