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[Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs
From: |
James Busser |
Subject: |
[Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs |
Date: |
Mon, 23 Feb 2004 22:46:59 -0800 |
Hi all
Here are some draft answers for a few more of the questions. The most
current version of the draft is available for viewing at David Grant's
wiki at:
http://sidicpc22.uwaterloo.ca/twiki/bin/view/Gnumed/
http://sidicpc22.uwaterloo.ca/twiki/bin/view/Gnumed/GNUMedFaqs
====================================
What computer system(s) will it run on?
GnuMed has been installed on Unix, GNU/Linux, MacOSX, and Windows
systems. Currently, downloads are suitable for developers and others
with some more advanced computing experience. Installation instructions
are available in the partially-completed User Manual. A simple binary
download process will be developed.
====================================
Is GnuMed free? Why?
GnuMed, in common with most Open Source software (OSS), is free but in
a special way. If somebody had access to the source code they could
modify it, create something new and then patent the new program. They
might choose not to release the source code so they could make money
from their new program. The resulting program would no longer be open
source and others could not improve or adapt it if they wanted to.
One of the key elements of OSS is its licensing conditions. The
licence specifically prevents something like this from happening. There
are a number of OS licences and examples of the most common ones can be
found at www.opensource.org/licenses/. The original and most widely
known licence is the GNU General Public Licence (GPL). Under the GNU
GPL you can use, copy, modify or even sell free software but the
software must come with either the source files or access to the source
files. If you were to sell the software, or modify it and then sell it,
the GPL requires that such software also be covered by the GPL. Thus,
you are required to let the buyer know that they can have the source
code and they have the right to use it or modify it if they wish. They
must also be told that the program is sold under the GNU General Public
Licence. The effect of the GPL is that OSS is rarely sold and that most
vendors make their money by installing OS software and otherwise
supporting end users.
GnuMed is being released under the GPL because medical software is
evolving from mere administrative tools toward powerful decision
support systems. It is predictable that we will soon reach a state
where software might make better and safer decisions than unexperienced
doctors. This will sooner or later result in situations where a
patient's health or even life depends on using the most sophisticated
software. Given the infinite replicability of software at negligible
cost, it would feel unethical to prevent those in need from access.
====================================
What more should I know about Open Source?
Open Source is a philosophy, an initiative and a licensing framework.
It encourages and supports a model in which source code must be
distributed along with the software, and that the source code be freely
modifiable, with at most minor restrictions. An expanded physician's
view is offered elsewhere on the site (links to one of Horst's postings
at gnumed.org). You can learn more about Open Source at other sites
including wikipedia.
There are two main implications. The first is that physicians, with
valued collaborators, can build a better software system. While this
may prove a new experience for physicians who, accustomed to bearing
sole responsibility for patients, have limited experience working
together --- it reminds of the lament about herding cats ;-) --- we
have much faith.
The second main implication is that costing for one's medical practice
to install, maintain, support and improve the software does not fit a
traditional model. With proprietary software a vendor sells you a
"run-time copy" or a license to use their software, with built-in or
optional annual maintenance, upgrade, and support costs. Sales and
support of computer equipment and networking are sometimes also
provided. These can have administrative appeal (a "one stop shop").
With Open Source most physicians will either need, or want, "computer
people" to attend to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting of the
computers and software but suitable people, especially local people
familiar with the software, could be in short supply. Provision for
training also needs to be made. It will be incumbent on physicians in a
given community or region to group together to achieve a satisfactory
and hopefully cost-effective support system. With proprietary software,
modification including security holes, bug fixes, and enhancements are
under the sole control of the developer/vendor in terms of timing as
well as whether they ever occur. With Open Source, these improvements
can be done at any time. However GnuMed, being Open Source, will depend
on a healthy support "community", whose fostering is therefore
essential.
- [Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs, James Busser, 2004/02/19
- [Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs, James Busser, 2004/02/23
- [Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs,
James Busser <=
- [Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs, James Busser, 2004/02/26
- [Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs, James Busser, 2004/02/26
- [Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs, James Busser, 2004/02/26
- Re: [Gnumed-devel] Gnumed FAQs, James Busser, 2004/02/26