Introduction to This Capsule

Founded in 2006, this site represents more than just a message; it serves a community and a growing software freedom movement. The goal is to work towards preserving and expanding general-purpose computing. Towards that end, the people using their computers should be in charge of computers and control what the computers do, rather than distant individuals or groups of isolated individuals. These days computers come in all forms and sizes, from handheld devices which can make phonecalls, to cars, refrigerators, radios, washing machines, and so on. This includes traditional routers, servers, desktop computers, and laptops of course.

As of 2021, the Techrights capsule has over 30,000 entries, mostly articles. In order to promote interest in -- and put into practice -- the goal of software freedom, at the moment, and for quite a few years in the past, a focus has been on eliminating software patents. Ensuring the elimination of software patents around the world, but especially from Europe and North America, is a vehicle to retain control over computing for both end users and software developers because software patents threaten end users as much as developers. Furthermore, study after study shows software patents to be a general impediment to innovation. Other topics such as net neutrality, copyright reform, and freedom from censorship all play roles in advancing freedom through software. Therefore, these topics are all covered on a recurring basis throughout the course of the day. Various means, like addressing copyright through software licensing, for example, are steps towards the main goal. Though the primary focus often remains on permanent elimination of software patents.

back to Techrights (Main Index)