We address this problem by publishing a more precise definition of free software, but this is not a perfect solution; it cannot completely eliminate the problem. An unambiguously correct term would be better, if it didn't have other problems.
1990s, Why "Free Software" is better than "Open Source" (1998)
“There is a rigorous science, just waiting to be recognized and developed, which encompasses the whole of 'the software problem,' as defined, including the hardware, software, languages, devices, logic, data, knowledge, users, users, and effectiveness, etc. for end-users, providers, enablers, commissioners, and sponsors, alike.”
D.T. Ross (1989) "Appendix B: Understanding: The Key to Software" in: Computer Science and Telecommunications Board, National Research Council Scaling Up: A Research Agenda for Software Engineering. p. 66 (cited on p. 3).
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Douglas T. Ross 27
American computer scientist 1929–2007Related quotes
Free Software Is Even More Important Now (September 2013) https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html
2010s
When asked "What innovation will most alter how we live in the next few years, as quoted in TIME magazine (24 October 2005)
"The Other Road Ahead" http://www.paulgraham.com/road.html, September 2001
The Fallacy of Trusted Client Software, Schneier, Bruce, 2001-08, Cryptogram newsletter, 2018-08-12 https://www.schneier.com/essays/archives/2000/08/the_fallacy_of_trust.html,
Digital Rights Management
Counterterrorism and Cybersecurity: Total Information Awareness (2nd Edition), 2015
Letter to Edward T. Hall, 1971, Letters of Marshall McLuhan, p. 397
1970s
1990s, Why "Free Software" is better than "Open Source" (1998)