Does free software enable you to do the same as other systems?

Yes, and even more:

• Because of technological neutrality, it is more compatible with other technologies, and it is therefore more versatile
• With its design (source code) being open access, it can also be modified to better fit your needs, and to extend features if wanted

What about piracy?

Proprietary software induces license infringements:

• When copyright is restricted, people end up choosing not to pay licenses which results in an uncontrolled distribution of unprotected programs, which are often infected by viruses
• When access to the design (source code) is restricted, so is the ability to customize programs; whereas the goal for some programmers is to modify them, even if it negatively impacts quality and it lacks documentation

Free Software (FOSS) is not copied illegally:

• It promotes the obtention of genuine project sources through legal means
• It promotes communication with developers and amongst the user and technical communities
• Creative work and technical services are rewarded, instead of price-point speculation and unjustifiable sales margins

Why isn’t free software the most widely used?

Speculative capital makes a huge effort when it comes to advertising. That which doesn’t prove itself on its own merits or quality, needs advertisements to attract sales. This means less visibility for Free Software in the media, which is funded by advertising, and which influences popular culture.

Free Software is not based on made-up needs to convince the market; instead it’s the outcome of bespoke solutions that have been developed for technicians when faced with real, extant needs.

What is Linux?

The name «Linux» is that of an essential part of many operating systems: The kernel. This kernel has a Free software license (GPL); however, with a mere kernel we don’t have a free operating system or a free application.

GNU/Linux is a family of free operating systems that include same kernel. GNU/Hurd is part of the same family, but with an alternative free kernel.

Android is an operating system with Linux, but beyond the kernel, the rest is very restrictive and it cannot be considered to be, in the whole, a free system; this situation is due to agreements between Google and mobile phone manufacturers.

Windows is an operating system owned by Microsoft which is proprietary and restricted in all respects; the same is true for Outlook or Microsoft Office.

iOS and MacOS are operating systems owned by Apple, and they are proprietary and restricted in all respects. They are also distributed for dedicated devices such as iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple.

Why viruses are not found in GNU/Linux?

We are sorry; translation from spanish version of this answer is not yet done.