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<TITLE>What is Free Software? - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</TITLE> |
<TITLE>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</TITLE> |
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<H3>What is Free Software?</H3> |
<H3>The Free Software Definition</H3> |
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We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be |
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true about a particular software program for it to be considered |
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``free software''. |
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``Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand |
``Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand |
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the concept, you should think of ``free speech'', not ``free beer.'' |
the concept, you should think of ``free speech'', not ``free beer.'' |
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that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms. |
that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms. |
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We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations |
We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations |
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of "free software"</A> into various languages. |
of "free software"</A> into various languages. |
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Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software |
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definition require careful thought for their interpretation. To |
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decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free |
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software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine |
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whether it fits their spirit as well as the precise words. If a |
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license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we |
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did not anticipate the issue in these criteria. Sometimes a license |
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requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought before we |
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can decide if the requirement is acceptable, including discussions |
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with a lawyer. When we reach a conclusion, we sometimes update these |
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criteria to make it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't |
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qualify. |
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If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a |
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free software license, see our <A |
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HREF="/philosophy/license-list.html"> list of licenses </A>. If the |
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license you are concerned with is not listed there, you can ask us |
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about it by sending us email at <A |
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HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org"><licensing@gnu.org></A>. |
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<H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4> |
<H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4> |
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send other questions to |
send other questions to |
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<A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>. |
<A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>. |
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<P> |
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Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc., |
Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc., |
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59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111, USA |
59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111, USA |
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Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is |
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is |
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permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.<P> |
permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.<P> |
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Updated: |
Updated: |
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<!-- hhmts start --> |
<!-- hhmts start --> |
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24 Jan 2001 mhw |
21 Feb 2001 bkuhn |
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