1 |
<!--#include virtual="/server/header.html" --> |
<!--#include virtual="/server/header.html" --> |
2 |
|
<!-- Parent-Version: 1.75 --> |
3 |
<title>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</title> |
<title>What is free software? |
4 |
|
- GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title> |
5 |
|
|
6 |
<meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" /> |
<meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" /> |
7 |
<meta http-equiv="Description" content="Since 1983, developing the free Unix style operating system GNU, so that computer users can have the freedom to share and improve the software they use." /> |
<meta http-equiv="Description" content="Since 1983, developing the free Unix style operating system GNU, so that computer users can have the freedom to share and improve the software they use." /> |
|
<link rel="alternate" title="What's New" href="http://www.gnu.org/rss/whatsnew.rss" type="application/rss+xml" /> |
|
|
<link rel="alternate" title="New Free Software" href="http://www.gnu.org/rss/quagga.rss" type="application/rss+xml" /> |
|
8 |
|
|
9 |
|
<!--#include virtual="/philosophy/po/free-sw.translist" --> |
10 |
<!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" --> |
<!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" --> |
11 |
|
|
12 |
<h1>The Free Software Definition</h1> |
<h2>What is free software?</h2> |
13 |
|
|
14 |
|
<h3>The Free Software Definition</h3> |
15 |
|
|
16 |
|
<blockquote> |
17 |
|
<p> |
18 |
|
The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a |
19 |
|
particular software program qualifies as free software. From time to |
20 |
|
time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions |
21 |
|
about subtle issues. See the <a href="#History">History section</a> |
22 |
|
below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free |
23 |
|
software. |
24 |
|
</p> |
25 |
|
</blockquote> |
26 |
|
|
27 |
<p> |
<p> |
28 |
We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must |
“Free software” means software that respects users' |
29 |
be true about a particular software program for it to be considered |
freedom and community. Roughly, it means that <b>the users have the |
30 |
free software. |
freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the |
31 |
|
software</b>. Thus, “free software” is a matter of |
32 |
|
liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of |
33 |
|
“free” as in “free speech,” not as in |
34 |
|
“free beer”. |
35 |
</p> |
</p> |
36 |
|
|
37 |
<p> |
<p> |
38 |
<q>Free software</q> is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand |
We campaign for these freedoms because everyone deserves them. With |
39 |
the concept, you should think of <q>free</q> as in <q>free speech,</q> |
these freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control |
40 |
not as in <q>free beer.</q> |
the program and what it does for them. When users don't control the |
41 |
|
program, we call it a “nonfree” or |
42 |
|
“proprietary” program. The nonfree program controls the |
43 |
|
users, and the developer controls the program; this makes the |
44 |
|
program <a href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html"> |
45 |
|
an instrument of unjust power</a>. |
46 |
</p> |
</p> |
47 |
|
|
48 |
<p> |
<p> |
49 |
Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, |
A program is free software if the program's users have the |
50 |
study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to |
four essential freedoms: |
|
four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software: |
|
51 |
</p> |
</p> |
52 |
|
|
53 |
<ul> |
<ul> |
54 |
<li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li> |
<li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li> |
55 |
<li>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to |
<li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it |
56 |
your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition |
does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source |
57 |
for this. |
code is a precondition for this. |
58 |
</li> |
</li> |
59 |
<li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor |
<li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor |
60 |
(freedom 2). |
(freedom 2). |
61 |
</li> |
</li> |
62 |
<li>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements |
<li>The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions |
63 |
to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). |
to others (freedom 3). By doing this you can give the whole |
64 |
|
community a chance to benefit from your changes. |
65 |
Access to the source code is a precondition for this. |
Access to the source code is a precondition for this. |
66 |
</li> |
</li> |
67 |
</ul> |
</ul> |
68 |
|
|
69 |
<p> |
<p> |
70 |
A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms. Thus, |
A program is free software if it gives users adequately all of these |
71 |
you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without |
freedoms. Otherwise, it is nonfree. While we can distinguish various |
72 |
modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to |
nonfree distribution schemes in terms of how far they fall short of |
73 |
|
being free, we consider them all equally unethical.</p> |
74 |
|
|
75 |
|
<p>The rest of this page clarifies certain points about what makes |
76 |
|
specific freedoms adequate or not.</p> |
77 |
|
|
78 |
|
<p>Freedom to distribute (freedoms 2 and 3) means you are free to |
79 |
|
redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either |
80 |
|
gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to |
81 |
<a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>. Being free to do these |
<a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>. Being free to do these |
82 |
things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay |
things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay |
83 |
for permission. |
for permission to do so. |
84 |
</p> |
</p> |
85 |
|
|
86 |
<p> |
<p> |
96 |
overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it |
overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it |
97 |
with the developer or any other specific entity. In this freedom, it is |
with the developer or any other specific entity. In this freedom, it is |
98 |
the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em> |
the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em> |
99 |
purpose; you as a user are free to run a program for your purposes, |
purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes, |
100 |
and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it |
and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it |
101 |
for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her. |
for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her. |
102 |
</p> |
</p> |
105 |
The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable |
The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable |
106 |
forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and |
forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and |
107 |
unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary |
unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary |
108 |
for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is ok if there |
for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is OK if there |
109 |
is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program |
is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program |
110 |
(since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the |
(since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the |
111 |
freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to |
freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to |
113 |
</p> |
</p> |
114 |
|
|
115 |
<p> |
<p> |
116 |
In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved |
In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the |
117 |
versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of |
freedom to publish the changed versions) to be meaningful, you must have |
118 |
the program. Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary |
access to the source code of the program. Therefore, accessibility of |
119 |
condition for free software. |
source code is a necessary condition for free software. Obfuscated |
120 |
|
“source code” is not real source code and does not count |
121 |
|
as source code. |
122 |
|
</p> |
123 |
|
|
124 |
|
<p> |
125 |
|
Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of |
126 |
|
the original. If the program is delivered in a product designed to |
127 |
|
run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours — a |
128 |
|
practice known as “tivoization” or “lockdown”, |
129 |
|
or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as “secure |
130 |
|
boot” — freedom 1 becomes a theoretical fiction rather |
131 |
|
than a practical freedom. This is not sufficient. In other words, |
132 |
|
these binaries are not free software even if the source code they are |
133 |
|
compiled from is free. |
134 |
</p> |
</p> |
135 |
|
|
136 |
<p> |
<p> |
137 |
One important way to modify a program is by merging in available |
One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free |
138 |
free subroutines and modules. If the program's license says that you |
subroutines and modules. If the program's license says that you |
139 |
cannot merge in an existing module, such as if it requires you to be the |
cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module — for instance, if it |
140 |
copyright holder of any code you add, then the license is too restrictive |
requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add — then the |
141 |
to qualify as free. |
license is too restrictive to qualify as free. |
142 |
</p> |
</p> |
143 |
|
|
144 |
<p> |
<p> |
145 |
In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as |
Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions |
146 |
long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the |
as free software. A free license may also permit other ways of |
147 |
power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give cause, |
releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be |
148 |
the software is not free. |
a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license. However, a |
149 |
|
license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify |
150 |
|
as a free license. |
151 |
|
</p> |
152 |
|
|
153 |
|
<p> |
154 |
|
In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and |
155 |
|
irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the |
156 |
|
software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add |
157 |
|
restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give |
158 |
|
cause, the software is not free. |
159 |
</p> |
</p> |
160 |
|
|
161 |
<p> |
<p> |
168 |
</p> |
</p> |
169 |
|
|
170 |
<p> |
<p> |
171 |
|
“Free software” does not mean “noncommercial”. A free |
172 |
|
program must be available for commercial use, commercial development, |
173 |
|
and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software |
174 |
|
is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
175 |
You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have |
You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have |
176 |
obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies, |
obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies, |
177 |
you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to |
you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to |
179 |
</p> |
</p> |
180 |
|
|
181 |
<p> |
<p> |
182 |
<q>Free software</q> does not mean <q>non-commercial.</q> A free |
Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter. |
183 |
program must be available for commercial use, commercial development, |
If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that |
184 |
and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software |
someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free. |
185 |
is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
</p> |
186 |
|
|
187 |
|
<p> |
188 |
|
However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, |
189 |
|
if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified |
190 |
|
versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. |
191 |
|
Thus, it is acceptable for the license to require that you change the |
192 |
|
name of the modified version, remove a logo, or identify your |
193 |
|
modifications as yours. As long as these requirements are not so |
194 |
|
burdensome that they effectively hamper you from releasing your |
195 |
|
changes, they are acceptable; you're already making other changes to |
196 |
|
the program, so you won't have trouble making a few more. |
197 |
</p> |
</p> |
198 |
|
|
199 |
<p> |
<p> |
200 |
Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they |
Rules that “if you make your version available in this way, you |
201 |
don't substantively block your freedom to release modified versions, or |
must make it available in that way also” can be acceptable too, |
202 |
your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. Rules that <q>if |
on the same condition. An example of such an acceptable rule is one |
203 |
you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in |
saying that if you have distributed a |
|
that way also</q> can be acceptable too, on the same condition. (Note that |
|
|
such a rule still leaves you the choice of whether to publish your version |
|
|
at all.) Rules that require release of source code to the users for |
|
|
versions that you put into public use are also acceptable. It is also |
|
|
acceptable for the license to require that, if you have distributed a |
|
204 |
modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you |
modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you |
205 |
must send one, or that you identify yourself on your modifications. |
must send one. (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of |
206 |
|
whether to distribute your version at all.) Rules that require release |
207 |
|
of source code to the users for versions that you put into public use |
208 |
|
are also acceptable. |
209 |
</p> |
</p> |
210 |
|
|
211 |
<p> |
<p> |
212 |
|
A special issue arises when a license requires changing the name by |
213 |
|
which the program will be invoked from other programs. That |
214 |
|
effectively hampers you from releasing your changed version so that it |
215 |
|
can replace the original when invoked by those other programs. This |
216 |
|
sort of requirement is acceptable only if there's a suitable aliasing |
217 |
|
facility that allows you to specify the original program's name as an |
218 |
|
alias for the modified version.</p> |
219 |
|
|
220 |
|
<p> |
221 |
In the GNU project, we use |
In the GNU project, we use |
222 |
<q><a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a></q> |
<a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> |
223 |
to protect these freedoms legally for everyone. But |
to protect these freedoms legally for everyone. But |
224 |
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted |
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">noncopylefted |
225 |
free software</a> also exists. We believe there are important reasons why |
free software</a> also exists. We believe there are important reasons why |
226 |
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is better to use copyleft</a>, |
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use copyleft</a>, |
227 |
but if your program is non-copylefted free software, we can still |
but if your program is noncopylefted free software, it is still basically |
228 |
use it. |
ethical. (See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a> for a description of how “free software,” “copylefted software” and other categories of software relate to each other.) |
|
</p> |
|
|
|
|
|
<p> |
|
|
See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a> |
|
|
for a description of how <q>free software,</q> <q>copylefted software</q> |
|
|
and other categories of software relate to each other. |
|
229 |
</p> |
</p> |
230 |
|
|
231 |
<p> |
<p> |
235 |
eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do |
eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do |
236 |
is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program. In this |
is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program. In this |
237 |
way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the |
way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the |
238 |
jurisdictions of these governments. |
jurisdictions of these governments. Thus, free software licenses |
239 |
|
must not require obedience to any nontrivial export regulations as a |
240 |
|
condition of exercising any of the essential freedoms. |
241 |
|
</p> |
242 |
|
|
243 |
|
<p> |
244 |
|
Merely mentioning the existence of export regulations, without making |
245 |
|
them a condition of the license itself, is acceptable since it does |
246 |
|
not restrict users. If an export regulation is actually trivial for |
247 |
|
free software, then requiring it as a condition is not an actual |
248 |
|
problem; however, it is a potential problem, since a later change in |
249 |
|
export law could make the requirement nontrivial and thus render the |
250 |
|
software nonfree. |
251 |
|
</p> |
252 |
|
|
253 |
|
<p> |
254 |
|
It is acceptable for a free license to specify which jurisdiction's |
255 |
|
law applies, or where litigation must be done, or both. |
256 |
</p> |
</p> |
257 |
|
|
258 |
<p> |
<p> |
263 |
(though this does happen occasionally). However, some free software |
(though this does happen occasionally). However, some free software |
264 |
licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger |
licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger |
265 |
range of possible restrictions. That means there are many possible ways |
range of possible restrictions. That means there are many possible ways |
266 |
such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and non-free. |
such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and nonfree. |
267 |
</p> |
</p> |
268 |
|
|
269 |
<p> |
<p> |
271 |
contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that |
contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that |
272 |
copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as |
copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as |
273 |
legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude |
legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude |
274 |
it is non-free. |
it is nonfree. |
275 |
</p> |
</p> |
276 |
|
|
277 |
<p> |
<p> |
278 |
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms |
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms |
279 |
like <q>give away</q> or <q>for free,</q> because those terms imply that |
like “give away” or “for free,” because those terms imply that |
280 |
the issue is about price, not freedom. Some common terms such |
the issue is about price, not freedom. Some common terms such |
281 |
as <q>piracy</q> embody opinions we hope you won't endorse. See |
as “piracy” embody opinions we hope you won't endorse. See |
282 |
<a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that |
<a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that |
283 |
are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms. We also have |
are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms. We also have |
284 |
a list of <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of |
a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of |
285 |
<q>free software</q></a> into various languages. |
“free software”</a> into various languages. |
286 |
</p> |
</p> |
287 |
|
|
288 |
<p> |
<p> |
308 |
</p> |
</p> |
309 |
|
|
310 |
<p> |
<p> |
311 |
If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the FSF |
If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the |
312 |
by writing to that address. The proliferation of different free software |
Free Software Foundation first by writing to that address. The |
313 |
licenses means increased work for users in understanding the licenses; |
proliferation of different free software licenses means increased work |
314 |
we may be able to help you find an existing Free Software license that |
for users in understanding the licenses; we may be able to help you |
315 |
meets your needs. |
find an existing free software license that meets your needs. |
316 |
</p> |
</p> |
317 |
|
|
318 |
<p> |
<p> |
319 |
If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our |
If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our |
320 |
help you can ensure that the license really is a Free Software license |
help you can ensure that the license really is a free software license |
321 |
and avoid various practical problems. |
and avoid various practical problems. |
322 |
</p> |
</p> |
323 |
|
|
324 |
<h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2> |
<h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3> |
325 |
|
|
326 |
<p> |
<p> |
327 |
<a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>, |
<a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>, |
333 |
The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of |
The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of |
334 |
practical use — that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge, |
practical use — that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge, |
335 |
such as educational works and reference |
such as educational works and reference |
336 |
works. <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best known |
works. <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known |
337 |
example. |
example. |
338 |
</p> |
</p> |
339 |
|
|
343 |
free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works. |
free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works. |
344 |
</p> |
</p> |
345 |
|
|
346 |
<h2 id="open-source">Open Source?</h2> |
<h3 id="open-source">Open Source?</h3> |
347 |
|
|
348 |
<p> |
<p> |
349 |
Another group has started using the term <q>open source</q> to mean |
Another group has started using the term “open source” to mean |
350 |
something close (but not identical) to <q>free software.</q> We |
something close (but not identical) to “free software”. We |
351 |
prefer the term <q>free software</q> because, once you have heard that |
prefer the term “free software” because, once you have heard that |
352 |
it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The |
it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The |
353 |
word <q>open</q> <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html"> |
word “open” <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html"> |
354 |
never refers to freedom</a>. |
never refers to freedom</a>. |
355 |
</p> |
</p> |
356 |
|
|
357 |
</div> |
<h3 id="History">History</h3> |
358 |
|
|
359 |
|
<p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition. Here is |
360 |
|
the list of substantive changes, along with links to show exactly what |
361 |
|
was changed.</p> |
362 |
|
|
363 |
<!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" --> |
<ul> |
364 |
|
|
365 |
<div id="footer"> |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.128&r2=1.129">Version |
366 |
|
1.129</a>: State explicitly that choice of law and choice of forum |
367 |
|
specifications are allowed. (This was always our policy.)</li> |
368 |
|
|
369 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.121&r2=1.122">Version |
370 |
|
1.122</a>: An export control requirement is a real problem if the |
371 |
|
requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential problem.</li> |
372 |
|
|
373 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.117&r2=1.118">Version |
374 |
|
1.118</a>: Clarification: the issue is limits on your right to modify, |
375 |
|
not on what modifications you have made. And modifications are not limited |
376 |
|
to “improvements”</li> |
377 |
|
|
378 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.110&r2=1.111">Version |
379 |
|
1.111</a>: Clarify 1.77 by saying that only |
380 |
|
retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable. The copyright |
381 |
|
holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the |
382 |
|
work by releasing the work in another way in parallel.</li> |
383 |
|
|
384 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.104&r2=1.105">Version |
385 |
|
1.105</a>: Reflect, in the brief statement of freedom 1, the point |
386 |
|
(already stated in version 1.80) that it includes really using your modified |
387 |
|
version for your computing.</li> |
388 |
|
|
389 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.91&r2=1.92">Version |
390 |
|
1.92</a>: Clarify that obfuscated code does not qualify as source code.</li> |
391 |
|
|
392 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.89&r2=1.90">Version |
393 |
|
1.90</a>: Clarify that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies |
394 |
|
of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate |
395 |
|
in someone else's development project.</li> |
396 |
|
|
397 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.88&r2=1.89">Version |
398 |
|
1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as |
399 |
|
free software.</li> |
400 |
|
|
401 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.79&r2=1.80">Version |
402 |
|
1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical; |
403 |
|
i.e., no tivoization.</li> |
404 |
|
|
405 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.76&r2=1.77">Version |
406 |
|
1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are |
407 |
|
unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete |
408 |
|
replacement.</li> |
409 |
|
|
410 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.73&r2=1.74">Version |
411 |
|
1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated |
412 |
|
in some places but not reflected everywhere: |
413 |
|
<ul> |
414 |
|
<li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can |
415 |
|
substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release. |
416 |
|
Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li> |
417 |
|
<li>The right to merge in existing modules |
418 |
|
refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li> |
419 |
|
<li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li> |
420 |
|
<li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li> |
421 |
|
</ul> |
422 |
|
</li> |
423 |
|
|
424 |
<p> |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.56&r2=1.57">Version |
425 |
Please send FSF & GNU inquiries to |
1.57</a>: Add "Beyond Software" section.</li> |
|
<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><em>gnu@gnu.org</em></a>. |
|
|
There are also <a href="http://www.fsf.org/about/contact.html">other ways to contact</a> |
|
|
the FSF. |
|
|
<br /> |
|
|
Please send broken links and other corrections (or suggestions) to |
|
|
<a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><em>webmasters@gnu.org</em></a>. |
|
|
</p> |
|
426 |
|
|
427 |
<p> |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.45&r2=1.46">Version |
428 |
Please see the |
1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run |
429 |
<a href="/server/standards/README.translations">Translations |
the program for any purpose.</li> |
430 |
README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting |
|
431 |
translations of this article. |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.40&r2=1.41">Version |
432 |
</p> |
1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li> |
433 |
|
|
434 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.39&r2=1.40">Version |
435 |
|
1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other |
436 |
|
available free software to create your modifications.</li> |
437 |
|
|
438 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.38&r2=1.39">Version |
439 |
|
1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
440 |
|
provide source for versions of the software you put into public |
441 |
|
use.</li> |
442 |
|
|
443 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.30&r2=1.31">Version |
444 |
|
1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
445 |
|
identify yourself as the author of modifications. Other minor |
446 |
|
clarifications throughout the text.</li> |
447 |
|
|
448 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.22&r2=1.23">Version |
449 |
|
1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based |
450 |
|
licenses.</li> |
451 |
|
|
452 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.15&r2=1.16">Version |
453 |
|
1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li> |
454 |
|
|
455 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.10&r2=1.11">Version |
456 |
|
1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of |
457 |
|
versions you distribute to the author.</li> |
458 |
|
|
459 |
<p> |
</ul> |
|
Copyright © 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, |
|
|
2005, 2006, 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc., |
|
|
</p> |
|
|
<address>51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA</address> |
|
|
<p>Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is |
|
|
permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is |
|
|
preserved. |
|
|
</p> |
|
460 |
|
|
461 |
<p> |
<p>There are gaps in the version numbers shown above because there are |
462 |
Updated: |
other changes in this page that do not affect the definition or its |
463 |
|
interpretations. For instance, the list does not include changes in |
464 |
|
asides, formatting, spelling, punctuation, or other parts of the page. |
465 |
|
You can review the complete list of changes to the page through |
466 |
|
the <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&view=log">cvsweb |
467 |
|
interface</a>.</p> |
468 |
|
|
469 |
|
|
470 |
|
</div><!-- for id="content", starts in the include above --> |
471 |
|
<!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" --> |
472 |
|
<div id="footer"> |
473 |
|
|
474 |
|
<p>Please send general FSF & GNU inquiries to |
475 |
|
<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><gnu@gnu.org></a>. |
476 |
|
There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a> |
477 |
|
the FSF. Broken links and other corrections or suggestions can be sent |
478 |
|
to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a>.</p> |
479 |
|
|
480 |
|
<p><!-- TRANSLATORS: Ignore the original text in this paragraph, |
481 |
|
replace it with the translation of these two: |
482 |
|
|
483 |
|
We work hard and do our best to provide accurate, good quality |
484 |
|
translations. However, we are not exempt from imperfection. |
485 |
|
Please send your comments and general suggestions in this regard |
486 |
|
to <a href="mailto:web-translators@gnu.org"> |
487 |
|
<web-translators@gnu.org></a>.</p> |
488 |
|
|
489 |
|
<p>For information on coordinating and submitting translations of |
490 |
|
our web pages, see <a |
491 |
|
href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations |
492 |
|
README</a>. --> |
493 |
|
Please see the <a |
494 |
|
href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations |
495 |
|
README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting translations |
496 |
|
of this article.</p> |
497 |
|
|
498 |
|
<!-- Regarding copyright, in general, standalone pages (as opposed to |
499 |
|
files generated as part of manuals) on the GNU web server should |
500 |
|
be under CC BY-ND 3.0 US. Please do NOT change or remove this |
501 |
|
without talking with the webmasters or licensing team first. |
502 |
|
Please make sure the copyright date is consistent with the |
503 |
|
document. For web pages, it is ok to list just the latest year the |
504 |
|
document was modified, or published. |
505 |
|
|
506 |
|
If you wish to list earlier years, that is ok too. |
507 |
|
Either "2001, 2002, 2003" or "2001-2003" are ok for specifying |
508 |
|
years, as long as each year in the range is in fact a copyrightable |
509 |
|
year, i.e., a year in which the document was published (including |
510 |
|
being publicly visible on the web or in a revision control system). |
511 |
|
|
512 |
|
There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers |
513 |
|
Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. --> |
514 |
|
|
515 |
|
<p>Copyright © 1996-2002, 2004-2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 |
516 |
|
Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p> |
517 |
|
|
518 |
|
<p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license" |
519 |
|
href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/us/">Creative |
520 |
|
Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License</a>.</p> |
521 |
|
|
522 |
|
<!--#include virtual="/server/bottom-notes.html" --> |
523 |
|
|
524 |
|
<p>Updated: |
525 |
<!-- timestamp start --> |
<!-- timestamp start --> |
526 |
$Date$ |
$Date$ |
527 |
<!-- timestamp end --> |
<!-- timestamp end --> |
528 |
</p> |
</p> |
529 |
</div> |
</div> |
|
|
|
|
<div id="translations"> |
|
|
<h3>Translations of this page:</h3> |
|
|
|
|
|
<!-- Please keep this list alphabetical, and in the original --> |
|
|
<!-- language if possible, otherwise default to English --> |
|
|
<!-- If you do not have it English, please comment what the --> |
|
|
<!-- English is. If you add a new language here, please --> |
|
|
<!-- advise web-translators@gnu.org and add it to --> |
|
|
<!-- - in /home/www/bin/nightly-vars either TAGSLANG or WEBLANG --> |
|
|
<!-- - in /home/www/html/server/standards/README.translations.html --> |
|
|
<!-- one of the lists under the section "Translations Underway" --> |
|
|
<!-- - if there is a translation team, you also have to add an alias --> |
|
|
<!-- to mail.gnu.org:/com/mailer/aliases --> |
|
|
<!-- Please also check you have the 2 letter language code right versus --> |
|
|
<!-- http://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/IG/ert/iso639.htm --> |
|
|
<ul class="translations-list"> |
|
|
<!-- Arabic --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ar.html">العربية</a> [ar]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Azerbaijani --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.az.html">Azərbaycanca</a> [az]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Bulgarian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bg.html">български</a> [bg]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Bengali --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bn.html">বাংলা</a> [bn]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Bosnian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bs.html">Bosanski</a> [bs]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Catalan --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ca.html">Català</a> [ca]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Czech --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Česky</a> [cs]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Danish --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Dansk</a> [da]</li> |
|
|
<!-- German --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">Deutsch</a> [de]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Greek --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.el.html">Ελληνικά</a> [el]</li> |
|
|
<!-- English --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</a> [en]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Esperanto --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.eo.html">Esperanto</a> [eo]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Spanish --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Español</a> [es]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Farsi (Persian) --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fa.html">فارسی</a> [fa]</li> |
|
|
<!-- French --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">Français</a> [fr]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Galician --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galego</a> [gl]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Hebrew --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">עברית</a> [he]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Croatian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Hrvatski</a> [hr]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Hungarian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Magyar</a> [hu]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Indonesian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a> [id]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Italian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italiano</a> [it]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Japanese --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">日本語</a> [ja]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Korean --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">한국어</a> [ko]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Dutch --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a> [nl]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Norwegian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norsk</a> [no]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Polish --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polski</a> [pl]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Portuguese --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Português</a> [pt]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Romanian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Română</a> [ro]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Russian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Русский</a> [ru]</li> |
|
|
<!--- Slovenian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovinsko</a> [sl]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Serbian --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sr.html">Српски</a> [sr]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Swedish --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">Svenska</a> [sv]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Tagalog --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tl.html">Tagalog</a> [tl]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Turkish --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Türkçe</a> [tr]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Chinese (Simplified) --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-cn.html">简体中文</a> [zh-cn]</li> |
|
|
<!-- Chinese (Traditional) --> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-tw.html">繁體中文</a> [zh-tw]</li> |
|
|
</ul> |
|
530 |
</div> |
</div> |
|
|
|
|
</div> |
|
|
|
|
531 |
</body> |
</body> |
532 |
</html> |
</html> |