I agree that it's not just about free software. Open source is a great movement for expression and challenges you to grow. But at the same time, aren't you sick of big companies making us pay for crappy software...uh um windows vista?
Last I checked, you're free to _not_ buy Vista. Buy a Mac. Buy a pre-installed Linux box. Buy your roommate's cousins used Pentium 4 w/o an OS and have your way with it.
