Free Software

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Description

``Free software_ is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of ``free speech_, not ``free beer._

``Free software_ refers to the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:

  • The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
  • The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
  • The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits. (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

More information about FreeSoftware can be found at: http://www.fsf.org/philosophy/philosophy.html