Ben Bartlett
							8/29/00
							7:10 AM

    I am taking open source software because open source is a new paradigm
within computer programming which I still know very little about. As it
appears that open source will continue to gain popularity, it benefits me
as a computer programmer to know more about it. Also, I think it would be
a lot of fun to work on an open source project, something which this class
gives me the chance to do.
    Throughout history, technology has often changed society. Everything
from the invention of the chariot to the invention of the internet has
altered human society in some profound way. With this in mind, it is
important to consider how a particular technology will affect society. I
certainly believe that technology ought to be used to alter human society
in a positive way, but those who create and use such technologies must be
very careful lest they should do more harm than good.
    Open source is interesting in that the very technique, as opposed to
the technology it produces, is effecting a change within society. It is
opening up more options in software, both for programmers and end
users. Programmers can take a piece of software and change it to suit
their needs, or perhaps improve upon it and submit it for the formal
release. End users now have more options in terms of where to get their
software, and more control over the quality software which they
receive. It will be very interesting to see what further changes the open
source movement effects in future years.