If you've ever used a piece of free and open source software--, or , for example--you're already familiar with at least some of those . You also know that “freedom” figures prominently among them, not just because of the software's generally free price but also thanks to its freedom from restrictive requirements and vendor lock-in.

Technological freedom, in fact, has become fundamentally intertwined with basic human rights, argues Pia Waugh, a former president of Software Freedom International, which organizes Software Freedom Day.

“Technologies that matter to our freedom are used in our voting systems, our leisure, our work, education, art and our communication,” Waugh in an article on the Software Freedom Day site. “What does this mean to you? It means that the basic human freedoms you take for granted are only as free as the technologies you use.”

If you enjoy the freedom technologies like these provide, I encourage you to celebrate the day in some way, even if only a small one. Here are a few possible ideas.

1. Attend an Event