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<div class="article reduced-width"> |
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<h2>What is Free Software?</h2> |
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<div class="thin"></div> |
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<h2>What is free software?</h2> |
<div class="important"> |
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<h3>The Free Software Definition</h3> |
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<blockquote> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a |
“Free software” means software that respects users' |
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particular software program qualifies as free software. From time to |
freedom and community. Roughly, it means that <b>the users have the |
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time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions |
freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the |
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about subtle issues. See the <a href="#History">History section</a> |
software</b>. Thus, “free software” is a matter of |
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below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free |
liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of |
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software. |
“free” as in “free speech,” not as in |
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“free beer.” We sometimes call it “libre |
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software,” borrowing the French or Spanish word for |
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“free” as in freedom, to show we do not mean the software |
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is gratis. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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</blockquote> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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“Free software” means software that respects users' |
You may have paid money to get copies of a free program, or you may |
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freedom and community. Roughly, <b>the users have the freedom to run, |
have obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your |
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copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software</b>. With these |
copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, |
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freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control the |
even to <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>. |
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program and what it does for them. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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</div> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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When users don't control the program, the program controls the users. |
We campaign for these freedoms because everyone deserves them. With |
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The developer controls the program, and through it controls the users. |
these freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control |
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This nonfree or “proprietary” program is therefore an |
the program and what it does for them. When users don't control the |
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instrument of unjust power. |
program, we call it a “nonfree” or |
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“proprietary” program. The nonfree program controls the |
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users, and the developer controls the program; this makes the |
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program <a href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html"> |
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an instrument of unjust power</a>. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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Thus, “free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. |
“Open source” is something different: it has a very |
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To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as |
different philosophy based on different values. Its practical |
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in “free speech,” not as in “free beer”. |
definition is different too, but nearly all open source programs are |
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in fact free. We explain the |
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difference in <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html"> |
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Why “Open Source” misses the point of Free Software</a>. |
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</p> |
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<div class="toc"> |
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<hr class="no-display" /> |
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<h3 class="no-display">Table of contents</h3> |
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<ul> |
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<li><a href="#fs-definition">The Free Software Definition</a> |
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<ul> |
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<li><a href="#four-freedoms">The four essential freedoms</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#selling">Free software <em>can</em> be commercial</a></li> |
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</ul> |
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</li> |
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<li><a href="#clarifying">Clarifying the Boundary Between Free and Nonfree</a> |
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<ul> |
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<li><a href="#run-the-program">The freedom to run the program as you |
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wish</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#make-changes">The freedom to study the source code and make |
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changes</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#redistribute">The freedom to redistribute if you wish: |
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basic requirements</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#copyleft">Copyleft</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#packaging">Rules about packaging and distribution |
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details</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#exportcontrol">Export regulations</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#legal-details">Legal considerations</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#contracts">Contract-based licenses</a></li> |
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</ul> |
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</li> |
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<li><a href="#in-practice">The Free Software Definition in Practice</a> |
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<ul> |
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<li><a href="#interpretation">How we interpret these criteria</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#get-help">Get help with free licenses</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#terminology">Use the right words when talking about free |
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software</a></li> |
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</ul> |
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</li> |
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<li><a href="#beyond-software">Beyond Software</a></li> |
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<li><a href="#History">History</a></li> |
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</ul> |
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</div> |
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<div class="edu-note" id="fsf-licensing" role="complementary"> |
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<p style="font-size:80%"> |
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Have a question about free software licensing not answered here? |
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See our other <a href="http://www.fsf.org/licensing">licensing resources</a>, |
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and if necessary contact the FSF Compliance Lab |
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at <a href="mailto:licensing@fsf.org">licensing@fsf.org</a>.</p> |
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<hr class="no-display" /> |
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</div> |
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|
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<h3 id="fs-definition">The Free Software Definition</h3> |
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|
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<p> |
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The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a |
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particular software program qualifies as free software. From time to |
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time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions |
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about subtle issues. See the <a href="#History">History section</a> |
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below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free |
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software. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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|
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<h4 id="four-freedoms">The four essential freedoms</h4> |
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<p> |
<p> |
128 |
A program is free software if the program's users have the |
A program is free software if the program's users have the |
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four essential freedoms: |
four essential freedoms: <a href="#f1">[1]</a> |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<ul> |
<ul class="important"> |
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<li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li> |
<li>The freedom to run the program as you wish, |
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for any purpose (freedom 0).</li> |
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<li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it |
<li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it |
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does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source |
does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source |
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code is a precondition for this. |
code is a precondition for this. |
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</li> |
</li> |
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<li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor |
<li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others |
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(freedom 2). |
(freedom 2). |
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</li> |
</li> |
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<li>The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions |
<li>The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions |
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</ul> |
</ul> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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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 |
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you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without |
freedoms. Otherwise, it is nonfree. While we can distinguish various |
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modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to |
nonfree distribution schemes in terms of how far they fall short of |
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<a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>. Being free to do these |
being free, we consider them all equally unethical.</p> |
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things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay |
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for permission to do so. |
<p>In any given scenario, these freedoms must apply to whatever code |
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we plan to make use of, or lead others to make use of. For instance, |
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consider a program A which automatically launches a program B to |
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handle some cases. If we plan to distribute A as it stands, that |
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implies users will need B, so we need to judge whether both A and B |
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are free. However, if we plan to modify A so that it doesn't use B, |
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only A needs to be free; B is not pertinent to that plan.</p> |
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<h4 id="selling">Free software <em>can</em> be commercial</h4> |
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<p> |
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“Free software” does not mean “noncommercial.” |
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On the contrary, a free program must be available for commercial use, |
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commercial development, and commercial distribution. This policy is |
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of fundamental importance—without this, free software could not |
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achieve its aims. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them |
We want to invite everyone to use the GNU system, including businesses |
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privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they |
and their workers. That requires allowing commercial use. We hope |
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exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to |
that free replacement programs will supplant comparable proprietary |
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notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way. |
programs, but they can't do that if businesses are forbidden to use |
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them. We want commercial products that contain software to include |
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the GNU system, and that would constitute commercial distribution for |
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a price. Commercial development of free software is no longer |
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unusual; such free commercial software is very important. Paid, |
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professional support for free software fills an important need. |
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</p> |
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<p> |
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Thus, to exclude commercial use, commercial development or commercial |
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distribution would hobble the free software community and obstruct its |
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path to success. We must conclude that a program licensed with such |
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restrictions does not qualify as free software. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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A free program must offer the four freedoms to any would-be user that |
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obtains a copy of the software, who has complied thus far with the |
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conditions of the free license covering the software in any previous |
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distribution of it. Putting some of the freedoms off limits to some |
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users, or requiring that users pay, in money or in kind, to exercise |
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them, is tantamount to not granting the freedoms in question, and thus |
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renders the program nonfree. |
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</p> |
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<h3 id="clarifying">Clarifying the Boundary Between Free and Nonfree</h3> |
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<p>In the rest of this article we explain more precisely how far the |
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various freedoms need to extend, on various issues, in order for a |
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program to be free.</p> |
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<h4 id="run-the-program">The freedom to run the program as you wish</h4> |
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<p> |
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The freedom to run the program means the freedom for any kind of person |
The freedom to run the program means the freedom for any kind of person |
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or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind of |
or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind of |
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overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it |
overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable |
The freedom to run the program as you wish means that you are not |
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forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and |
forbidden or stopped from making it run. This has nothing to do with what |
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unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary |
functionality the program has, whether it is technically capable of |
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for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is OK if there |
functioning in any given environment, or whether it is useful for any |
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is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program |
particular computing activity.</p> |
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(since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the |
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freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to |
<p>For example, if the code arbitrarily rejects certain meaningful |
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make them. |
inputs—or even fails unconditionally—that may make the |
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</p> |
program less useful, perhaps even totally useless, but it does not |
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deny users the freedom to run the program, so it does not conflict |
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with freedom 0. If the program is free, the users can overcome the |
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loss of usefulness, because freedoms 1 and 3 permit users and |
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communities to make and distribute modified versions without the |
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arbitrary nuisance code.</p> |
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<p>“As you wish” includes, optionally, “not at |
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all” if that is what you wish. So there is no need for a |
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separate “freedom not to run a program.”</p> |
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<h4 id="make-changes">The freedom to study the source code and make changes</h4> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the |
In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the |
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freedom to publish the changed versions) to be meaningful, you must have |
freedom to publish the changed versions) to be meaningful, you need to have |
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access to the source code of the program. Therefore, accessibility of |
access to the source code of the program. Therefore, accessibility of |
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source code is a necessary condition for free software. Obfuscated |
source code is a necessary condition for free software. Obfuscated |
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“source code” is not real source code and does not count |
“source code” is not real source code and does not count |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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Source code is defined as the preferred form of the program for making |
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changes in. Thus, whatever form a developer changes to develop |
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the program is the source code of that developer's version. |
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</p> |
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<p> |
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Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of |
Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of |
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the original. If the program is delivered in a product designed to |
the original. If the program is delivered in a product designed to |
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run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours — a |
run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours—a |
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practice known as “tivoization” or “lockdown”, |
practice known as “tivoization” or “lockdown,” |
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or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as “secure |
or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as “secure |
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boot” — freedom 1 becomes a theoretical fiction rather |
boot”—freedom 1 becomes an empty pretense rather than a |
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than a practical freedom. This is not sufficient. In other words, |
practical reality. These binaries are not free |
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these binaries are not free software even if the source code they are |
software even if the source code they are compiled from is free. |
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compiled from is free. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free |
One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free |
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subroutines and modules. If the program's license says that you |
subroutines and modules. If the program's license says that you |
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cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module — for instance, if it |
cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module—for instance, if it |
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requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add — then the |
requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add—then the |
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license is too restrictive to qualify as free. |
license is too restrictive to qualify as free. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter. |
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If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that |
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someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free. |
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</p> |
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<p> |
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One special case of freedom 1 is to delete the program's code so it |
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returns after doing nothing, or make it invoke some other program. |
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Thus, freedom 1 includes the “freedom to delete the program.” |
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</p> |
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<h4 id="redistribute">The freedom to redistribute if you wish: basic |
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requirements</h4> |
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<p>Freedom to distribute (freedoms 2 and 3) means you are free to |
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redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either |
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gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to |
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<a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>. Being free to do these |
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things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay |
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for permission to do so. |
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</p> |
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<p> |
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You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them |
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privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they |
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exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to |
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notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way. |
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</p> |
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|
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<p> |
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Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions |
Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions |
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as free software. A free license may also permit other ways of |
as free software. A free license may also permit other ways of |
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releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be |
releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be |
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a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license. However, a |
a <a href="/licenses/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license. However, a |
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license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify |
license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify |
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as a free license. |
as a free license. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and |
The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable |
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irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the |
forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and |
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software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add |
unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary |
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restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give |
for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is OK if there |
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cause, the software is not free. |
is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program |
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(since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the |
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freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to |
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make them. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<h4 id="copyleft">Copyleft</h4> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free |
Certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free |
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software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central |
software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central |
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freedoms. For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that |
freedoms. For example, <a href="/licenses/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> |
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when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny |
(very simply stated) is the rule that when redistributing the program, |
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other people the central freedoms. This rule does not conflict with |
you cannot add restrictions to deny other people the central freedoms. |
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the central freedoms; rather it protects them. |
This rule does not conflict with the central freedoms; rather it |
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protects them. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
342 |
“Free software” does not mean “noncommercial”. A free |
In the GNU project, we use copyleft to protect the four freedoms |
343 |
program must be available for commercial use, commercial development, |
legally for everyone. We believe there are important reasons why |
344 |
and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software |
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use |
345 |
is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
copyleft</a>. However, |
346 |
You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have |
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware"> |
347 |
obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies, |
noncopylefted free software</a> is ethical |
348 |
you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to |
too. See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free |
349 |
<a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>. |
Software</a> for a description of how “free software,” |
350 |
|
“copylefted software” and other categories of software |
351 |
|
relate to each other. |
352 |
</p> |
</p> |
353 |
|
|
354 |
<p> |
<h4 id="packaging">Rules about packaging and distribution details</h4> |
|
Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter. |
|
|
If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that |
|
|
someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free. |
|
|
</p> |
|
355 |
|
|
356 |
<p> |
<p> |
357 |
However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, |
Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, |
358 |
if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified |
if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified |
359 |
versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. |
versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. |
360 |
Thus, it is acceptable for the license to require that you change the |
Thus, it is acceptable for the license to require that you change the |
386 |
facility that allows you to specify the original program's name as an |
facility that allows you to specify the original program's name as an |
387 |
alias for the modified version.</p> |
alias for the modified version.</p> |
388 |
|
|
389 |
<p> |
<h4 id="exportcontrol">Export regulations</h4> |
|
In the GNU project, we use |
|
|
<a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> |
|
|
to protect these freedoms legally for everyone. But |
|
|
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">noncopylefted |
|
|
free software</a> also exists. We believe there are important reasons why |
|
|
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use copyleft</a>, |
|
|
but if your program is noncopylefted free software, it is still basically |
|
|
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> |
|
390 |
|
|
391 |
<p> |
<p> |
392 |
Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a> |
Sometimes government export control regulations |
393 |
and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of |
and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of |
394 |
programs internationally. Software developers do not have the power to |
programs internationally. Software developers do not have the power to |
395 |
eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do |
eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do |
396 |
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 |
397 |
way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the |
way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the |
398 |
jurisdictions of these governments. Thus, free software licenses |
jurisdictions of these governments. Thus, free software licenses |
399 |
must not require obedience to any export regulations as a condition of |
must not require obedience to any nontrivial export regulations as a |
400 |
any of the essential freedoms. |
condition of exercising any of the essential freedoms. |
401 |
|
</p> |
402 |
|
|
403 |
|
<p> |
404 |
|
Merely mentioning the existence of export regulations, without making |
405 |
|
them a condition of the license itself, is acceptable since it does |
406 |
|
not restrict users. If an export regulation is actually trivial for |
407 |
|
free software, then requiring it as a condition is not an actual |
408 |
|
problem; however, it is a potential problem, since a later change in |
409 |
|
export law could make the requirement nontrivial and thus render the |
410 |
|
software nonfree. |
411 |
|
</p> |
412 |
|
|
413 |
|
<h4 id="legal-details">Legal considerations</h4> |
414 |
|
|
415 |
|
<p> |
416 |
|
In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and |
417 |
|
irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the |
418 |
|
software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add |
419 |
|
restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give |
420 |
|
cause, the software is not free. |
421 |
|
</p> |
422 |
|
|
423 |
|
<p> |
424 |
|
A free license may not require compliance with the license of a |
425 |
|
nonfree program. Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to |
426 |
|
comply with the licenses of “all the programs you use,” in |
427 |
|
the case of a user that runs nonfree programs this would require |
428 |
|
compliance with the licenses of those nonfree programs; that makes the |
429 |
|
license nonfree. |
430 |
|
</p> |
431 |
|
|
432 |
|
<p> |
433 |
|
It is acceptable for a free license to specify which jurisdiction's |
434 |
|
law applies, or where litigation must be done, or both. |
435 |
</p> |
</p> |
436 |
|
|
437 |
|
<h4 id="contracts">Contract-based licenses</h4> |
438 |
|
|
439 |
<p> |
<p> |
440 |
Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits |
Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits |
441 |
on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright. If a |
on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright. If a |
455 |
it is nonfree. |
it is nonfree. |
456 |
</p> |
</p> |
457 |
|
|
458 |
<p> |
<h3 id="in-practice">The Free Software Definition in Practice</h3> |
459 |
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms |
|
460 |
like “give away” or “for free,” because those terms imply that |
<h4 id="interpretation">How we interpret these criteria</h4> |
|
the issue is about price, not freedom. Some common terms such |
|
|
as “piracy” embody opinions we hope you won't endorse. See |
|
|
<a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that |
|
|
are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms. We also have |
|
|
a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of |
|
|
“free software”</a> into various languages. |
|
|
</p> |
|
461 |
|
|
462 |
<p> |
<p> |
463 |
Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software |
Note that criteria such as those stated in this free software |
464 |
definition require careful thought for their interpretation. To decide |
definition require careful thought for their interpretation. To decide |
465 |
whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license, |
whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license, |
466 |
we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their |
we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their |
473 |
it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify. |
it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify. |
474 |
</p> |
</p> |
475 |
|
|
476 |
|
<h4 id="get-help">Get help with free licenses</h4> |
477 |
|
|
478 |
<p> |
<p> |
479 |
If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free |
If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free |
480 |
software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list |
software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list |
497 |
and avoid various practical problems. |
and avoid various practical problems. |
498 |
</p> |
</p> |
499 |
|
|
500 |
|
<h4 id="terminology">Use the right words when talking about free software</h4> |
501 |
|
|
502 |
|
<p> |
503 |
|
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms |
504 |
|
like “give away” or “for free,” because those terms imply that |
505 |
|
the issue is about price, not freedom. Some common terms such |
506 |
|
as “piracy” embody opinions we hope you won't endorse. See |
507 |
|
<a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that |
508 |
|
are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms. We also have |
509 |
|
a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of |
510 |
|
“free software”</a> into various languages. |
511 |
|
</p> |
512 |
|
|
513 |
|
<p id="open-source"> |
514 |
|
Another group uses the term “open source” to mean |
515 |
|
something close (but not identical) to “free software.” We |
516 |
|
prefer the term “free software” because, once you have heard that |
517 |
|
it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The |
518 |
|
word “open” never refers to freedom. |
519 |
|
</p> |
520 |
|
|
521 |
<h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3> |
<h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3> |
522 |
|
|
523 |
<p> |
<p> |
528 |
|
|
529 |
<p> |
<p> |
530 |
The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of |
The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of |
531 |
practical use — that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge, |
practical use—that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge, |
532 |
such as educational works and reference |
such as educational works and reference |
533 |
works. <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known |
works. <a href="https://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known |
534 |
example. |
example. |
535 |
</p> |
</p> |
536 |
|
|
540 |
free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works. |
free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works. |
541 |
</p> |
</p> |
542 |
|
|
|
<h3 id="open-source">Open Source?</h3> |
|
|
|
|
|
<p> |
|
|
Another group has started using the term “open source” to mean |
|
|
something close (but not identical) to “free software”. We |
|
|
prefer the term “free software” because, once you have heard that |
|
|
it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The |
|
|
word “open” <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html"> |
|
|
never refers to freedom</a>. |
|
|
</p> |
|
|
|
|
543 |
<h3 id="History">History</h3> |
<h3 id="History">History</h3> |
544 |
|
|
545 |
<p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition. Here is |
<p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition. Here is |
548 |
|
|
549 |
<ul> |
<ul> |
550 |
|
|
551 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.110&r2=1.111">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.168&r2=1.169">Version |
552 |
|
1.169</a>: Explain more clearly why the four freedoms must apply |
553 |
|
to commercial activity. Explain why the four freedoms imply the |
554 |
|
freedom not to run the program and the freedom to delete it, so there |
555 |
|
is no need to state those as separate requirements.</li> |
556 |
|
|
557 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.164&r2=1.165">Version |
558 |
|
1.165</a>: Clarify that arbitrary annoyances in the code do not |
559 |
|
negate freedom 0, and that freedoms 1 and 3 enable users to remove them.</li> |
560 |
|
|
561 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.152&r2=1.153">Version |
562 |
|
1.153</a>: Clarify that freedom to run the program means nothing stops |
563 |
|
you from making it run.</li> |
564 |
|
|
565 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.140&r2=1.141">Version |
566 |
|
1.141</a>: Clarify which code needs to be free.</li> |
567 |
|
|
568 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.134&r2=1.135">Version |
569 |
|
1.135</a>: Say each time that freedom 0 is the freedom to run the program |
570 |
|
as you wish.</li> |
571 |
|
|
572 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.133&r2=1.134">Version |
573 |
|
1.134</a>: Freedom 0 is not a matter of the program's functionality.</li> |
574 |
|
|
575 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.130&r2=1.131">Version |
576 |
|
1.131</a>: A free license may not require compliance with a nonfree license |
577 |
|
of another program.</li> |
578 |
|
|
579 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.128&r2=1.129">Version |
580 |
|
1.129</a>: State explicitly that choice of law and choice of forum |
581 |
|
specifications are allowed. (This was always our policy.)</li> |
582 |
|
|
583 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.121&r2=1.122">Version |
584 |
|
1.122</a>: An export control requirement is a real problem if the |
585 |
|
requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential problem.</li> |
586 |
|
|
587 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.117&r2=1.118">Version |
588 |
|
1.118</a>: Clarification: the issue is limits on your right to modify, |
589 |
|
not on what modifications you have made. And modifications are not limited |
590 |
|
to “improvements”</li> |
591 |
|
|
592 |
|
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.110&r2=1.111">Version |
593 |
1.111</a>: Clarify 1.77 by saying that only |
1.111</a>: Clarify 1.77 by saying that only |
594 |
retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable. The copyright |
retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable. The copyright |
595 |
holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the |
holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the |
596 |
work by releasing the work in another way in parallel.</li> |
work by releasing the work in another way in parallel.</li> |
597 |
|
|
598 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.104&r2=1.105">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.104&r2=1.105">Version |
599 |
1.105</a>: Reflect, in the brief statement of freedom 1, the point |
1.105</a>: Reflect, in the brief statement of freedom 1, the point |
600 |
(already stated in version 1.80) that it includes really using your modified |
(already stated in version 1.80) that it includes really using your modified |
601 |
version for your computing.</li> |
version for your computing.</li> |
602 |
|
|
603 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.91&r2=1.92">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.91&r2=1.92">Version |
604 |
1.92</a>: Clarify that obfuscated code does not qualify as source code.</li> |
1.92</a>: Clarify that obfuscated code does not qualify as source code.</li> |
605 |
|
|
606 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.89&r2=1.90">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.89&r2=1.90">Version |
607 |
1.90</a>: Clarify that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies |
1.90</a>: Clarify that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies |
608 |
of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate |
of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate |
609 |
in someone else's development project.</li> |
in someone else's development project.</li> |
610 |
|
|
611 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.88&r2=1.89">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.88&r2=1.89">Version |
612 |
1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as |
1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as |
613 |
free software.</li> |
free software.</li> |
614 |
|
|
615 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.79&r2=1.80">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.79&r2=1.80">Version |
616 |
1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical; |
1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical; |
617 |
i.e., no tivoization.</li> |
i.e., no tivoization.</li> |
618 |
|
|
619 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.76&r2=1.77">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.76&r2=1.77">Version |
620 |
1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are |
1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are |
621 |
unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete |
unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete |
622 |
replacement.</li> |
replacement.</li> |
623 |
|
|
624 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.73&r2=1.74">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.73&r2=1.74">Version |
625 |
1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated |
1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated |
626 |
in some places but not reflected everywhere: |
in some places but not reflected everywhere: |
627 |
<ul> |
<ul> |
628 |
<li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can |
<li>“Improvements” does not mean the license can |
629 |
substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release. |
substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release. |
630 |
Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li> |
Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li> |
631 |
<li>The right to merge in existing modules |
<li>The right to merge in existing modules |
635 |
</ul> |
</ul> |
636 |
</li> |
</li> |
637 |
|
|
638 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.56&r2=1.57">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.56&r2=1.57">Version |
639 |
1.57</a>: Add "Beyond Software" section.</li> |
1.57</a>: Add “Beyond Software” section.</li> |
640 |
|
|
641 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.45&r2=1.46">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.45&r2=1.46">Version |
642 |
1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run |
1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run |
643 |
the program for any purpose.</li> |
the program for any purpose.</li> |
644 |
|
|
645 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.40&r2=1.41">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.40&r2=1.41">Version |
646 |
1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li> |
1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li> |
647 |
|
|
648 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.39&r2=1.40">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.39&r2=1.40">Version |
649 |
1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other |
1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other |
650 |
available free software to create your modifications.</li> |
available free software to create your modifications.</li> |
651 |
|
|
652 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.38&r2=1.39">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.38&r2=1.39">Version |
653 |
1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
654 |
provide source for versions of the software you put into public |
provide source for versions of the software you put into public |
655 |
use.</li> |
use.</li> |
656 |
|
|
657 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.30&r2=1.31">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.30&r2=1.31">Version |
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1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
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identify yourself as the author of modifications. Other minor |
identify yourself as the author of modifications. Other minor |
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clarifications throughout the text.</li> |
clarifications throughout the text.</li> |
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|
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.22&r2=1.23">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.22&r2=1.23">Version |
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1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based |
1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based |
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licenses.</li> |
licenses.</li> |
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|
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.15&r2=1.16">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.15&r2=1.16">Version |
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1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li> |
1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li> |
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|
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.10&r2=1.11">Version |
<li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.10&r2=1.11">Version |
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1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of |
1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of |
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versions you distribute to the author.</li> |
versions you distribute to previous developers on request.</li> |
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</ul> |
</ul> |
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<p>There are gaps in the version numbers shown above because there are |
<p>There are gaps in the version numbers shown above because there are |
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other changes in this page that do not affect the definition as such. |
other changes in this page that do not affect the definition or its |
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These changes are in other parts of the page. You can review the |
interpretations. For instance, the list does not include changes in |
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complete list of changes to the page through |
asides, formatting, spelling, punctuation, or other parts of the page. |
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the <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&view=log">cvsweb |
You can review the complete list of changes to the page through |
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|
the <a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&view=log">cvsweb |
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interface</a>.</p> |
interface</a>.</p> |
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<div class="column-limit"></div> |
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<h3 class="footnote">Footnote</h3> |
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<ol> |
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<li id="f1">The reason they are numbered 0, 1, 2 and 3 is historical. Around |
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1990 there were three freedoms, numbered 1, 2 and 3. Then we realized that |
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the freedom to run the program needed to be mentioned explicitly. |
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It was clearly more basic than the other three, so it properly should |
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precede them. Rather than renumber the others, we made it freedom 0.</li> |
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</ol> |
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</div> |
</div> |
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</div><!-- for id="content", starts in the include above --> |
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<!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" --> |
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<div id="footer" role="contentinfo"> |
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<div class="unprintable"> |
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<div id="footer"> |
<p>Please send general FSF & GNU inquiries to |
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<p> |
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Please send FSF & GNU inquiries to |
|
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<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><gnu@gnu.org></a>. |
<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><gnu@gnu.org></a>. |
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There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a> |
There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a> |
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the FSF. |
the FSF. Broken links and other corrections or suggestions can be sent |
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<br /> |
to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a>.</p> |
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Please send broken links and other corrections or suggestions to |
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<a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a>. |
<p><!-- TRANSLATORS: Ignore the original text in this paragraph, |
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</p> |
replace it with the translation of these two: |
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We work hard and do our best to provide accurate, good quality |
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translations. However, we are not exempt from imperfection. |
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Please send your comments and general suggestions in this regard |
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to <a href="mailto:web-translators@gnu.org"> |
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<web-translators@gnu.org></a>.</p> |
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<p>For information on coordinating and contributing translations of |
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our web pages, see <a |
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href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations |
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README</a>. --> |
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Please see the <a |
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README</a> for information on coordinating and contributing translations |
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of this article.</p> |
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<p> |
<!-- Regarding copyright, in general, standalone pages (as opposed to |
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Please see the |
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If you wish to list earlier years, that is ok too. |
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being publicly visible on the web or in a revision control system). |
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There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers |
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Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. --> |
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<p>Copyright © 1996-2002, 2004-2019, 2021, 2022 |
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Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p> |
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<p> |
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Copyright © 1996-2002, 2004-2007, 2009, 2010, 2012 Free Software |
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Foundation, Inc. |
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<p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license" |
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href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/us/">Creative |
href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">Creative |
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Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License</a>. |
Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.</p> |
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<p>Updated: |
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