Embracing Insanity: Open Source Software Development (Other Sams) (Paperback)

~ Russell Pavlicek (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this book, you will learn where the Open Source movement comes from and what motivates its adherents. You will be introduced to the culture that fuels the movement, as well as the personalities and organizations that promote its growth. You will also understand the strengths of the Open Source movement and how it changes the way in which software is written. In addition, people and organizations wishing to participate in the Open Source world will be given a guide regarding what to do - and what not to do - and why. You do not need to be a technical wizard to read this book. It does not matter if you are an IT manager, a programmer, or just someone who is interested in new trends in technology. This book will peel away the mystery and misunderstandings surrounding the Open Source movement.

From the Back Cover

In this book, you will learn where the Open Source movement comes from and what motivates its adherents. You will be introduced to the culture that fuels the movement, as well as the personalities and organizations that promote its growth. You will also understand the strengths of the Open Source movement and how it changes the way in which software is written. In addition, people and organizations wishing to participate in the Open Source world will be given a guide regarding what to do - and what not to do - and why. You do not need to be a technical wizard to read this book. It does not matter if you are an IT manager, a programmer, or just someone who is interested in new trends in technology. This book will peel away the mystery and misunderstandings surrounding the Open Source movement.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sams; illustrated edition edition (September 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0672319896
• ISBN-13: 978-0672319891
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,050,093 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Open Source Primer, November 10, 2000

By	Michael R Bernstein (Las Vegas, NV United States) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent primer on the history of the Open Source movement, it's social, political, and economic consequences, and what makes it's practitioners tick.

Buy this book for your mom, your freinds, or your boss, so that they finally understand what it is that you do late at night, and how you can 'give your work away'.

This book, while small, is fairly complete, and doesn't commit the cardinal sin of using jargon or technical terms that aren't defined.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good presentation. Lacks depth., March 15, 2003

By	David (Olhão, Portugal) - See all my reviews

This book explains what the geek culture is, what are open-source software (o-s) and free software (free-sw) and their communities' values.
The book is divided in three parts. The first one `talks' about the origins of o-s and why is it better than proprietary software. The second explains what the geek culture is and what is the o-s/free-sw community and how it works. It presents some mistakes that people make regarding o-s/free-sw. The third part of the book explains how we can participate in this community, how to make business and what are the main players (persons, institutions, companies). At the end the author presents a resume of the principal o-s/free-sw licenses.
This book is an easy reading, interesting and well written. The problem is that the subjects aren't presented with sufficient depth, especially when related to how to make business with this software.

5.0 out of 5 stars Need to understand the Open Source & Linux Community?, December 4, 2000

By	Mark Bolzern "mbolzern" (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

Russ' understanding of the do's and don'ts when trying to do business in the Open Source arena and his ability to explain them are excellent. This book touches on the reasons why Linux and Open Source are not fads, but rather true Paradigm shifts and explains away the FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt).

Anyone considering doing business within the Open Source community or relating to it should read this book.

I thought so much of "Embracing Insanity" that I obtained a copy for our CEO, and suggested that it be assigned reading for all our executives, as well as recommend it for new hires.

I've been waiting for this book to come along.