Free/OpenSource software?

[hospedales@wow.net]

Hi, 
        I am planning to start to write a piece of software in the near future,
and I am considering whether or not to make the source open when I do so. I
would appreciate any advice on pros and cons of having the source open.
        I don't understand some free software people. To me computers
are tools to get a job done, if a proprietary source tool works best, i would
use it. As it stands, I use Linux because its better than Windoze et al. Anyway,
some questions.
1. I am planning to write in Java. Does the fact that Sun seems to have
control over the language itself affect the ability to apply the GPL or similar
liscences to Java software?
2. As I understand it, the GPL forbids use of your source code in closed source
software. However, if an unscruplous individual were to do so anyway, how would
you know since the individual's source would be closed?
3. Is there any other major benefit to open source beside peer review?

Thanks In Advance!
Timothy Hospedales

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E-Mail: hospedales@wow.net
Date: 30-Apr-98
Time: 17:21:23

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