FSF versus OSI!

To write a comparison between open source and free software first a short definition of each is helpful.

Free software is under the GPL license that allows the user to run, study, change, distribute and modify the program freely. It allows the access to the source code. Also it allows commercial use in a way that it doesn’t limit the freedom of users. It means that a person can sell copies of free software or modified versions of it but cannot limit users to do so. Since the source code must be open for any modification, the source code of the modified version is available and free to use.

Open source has many similarities in definition with free software. As the name implies, the source code is available, and redistribution and modifications are allowed. The difference is that it allows the usage of open source software as a component of aggregate software which doesn’t have necessarily the open source license. As opposed to free software that considers the freedom of user the most, open source considers the freedom of developer to use the open source codes so as to develop a program which might limit the freedom of use. In this way it allows the developer to take more advantage of modifications.

Out of FSF and OSI views, it is observed that free software considers ethical issues and its goal is the freedom of users while Open source by adopting a trademark and considering the companies has gone away from the social movement of freedom.

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Battle for Wesnoth!

Battle for Wesnoth is a turn-based strategy game which was released as free software in 2003. The game is easy to install (I tried on Windows XP), and graphic of the game is basic which doesn’t need high requirements for a system.

The graphic is very basic while playing the game but the drawings in between are sort of nice. The hexagonal shape of tiles make them less visible comparison to similar games of this kind that use square tiles.

Player has the opportunity to choose several characters he can move and play strategically to prevent the opponents to kill these characters. These units can be hired with money that is earned by controlling the villages.

The information is clear about whether a move would be successful or not. Statistics about the result of movements and fights are displayed that make it somehow mathematical and boring to pay attention.  Placing the characters is very important in building the strategy. If they are well placed, it would be harder to be under attack by the enemy.

The way text is written is not easy to read. For example, the data available on the right of the screen or help info is hard to distinguish what parts are more important and necessary to apply in the game.

The maps are important to make the game more interesting and strategic. For example the use of forest in a map is very important and affects the way you attack or defend. The choice of units at the beginning of each game is dependent on the map and what sort of land exists. There are lots of parameters to consider that makes it hard to understand what the best strategy is, because each unit has a limited movement each turn and must choose among the possibilities.

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