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<h3>The Free Software Definition</h3> |
<h3>The Free Software Definition</h3> |
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<!--#include virtual="/licenses/fsf-licensing.html" --> |
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<blockquote> |
<blockquote> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a |
The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a |
32 |
software</b>. Thus, “free software” is a matter of |
software</b>. Thus, “free software” is a matter of |
33 |
liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of |
liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of |
34 |
“free” as in “free speech,” not as in |
“free” as in “free speech,” not as in |
35 |
“free beer”. |
“free beer”. We sometimes call it “libre |
36 |
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software,” borrowing the French or Spanish word for |
37 |
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“free” as in freedom, to show we do not mean the software |
38 |
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is gratis. |
39 |
</p> |
</p> |
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|
41 |
<p> |
<p> |
49 |
an instrument of unjust power</a>. |
an instrument of unjust power</a>. |
50 |
</p> |
</p> |
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<h4> The four essential freedoms</h4> |
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<p> |
<p> |
55 |
A program is free software if the program's users have the |
A program is free software if the program's users have the |
56 |
four essential freedoms: |
four essential freedoms: |
57 |
</p> |
</p> |
58 |
|
|
59 |
<ul> |
<ul> |
60 |
<li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li> |
<li>The freedom to run the program as you wish, |
61 |
|
for any purpose (freedom 0).</li> |
62 |
<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 |
63 |
does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source |
does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source |
64 |
code is a precondition for this. |
code is a precondition for this. |
79 |
nonfree distribution schemes in terms of how far they fall short of |
nonfree distribution schemes in terms of how far they fall short of |
80 |
being free, we consider them all equally unethical.</p> |
being free, we consider them all equally unethical.</p> |
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<p>The rest of this page clarifies certain points about what makes |
<p>In any given scenario, these freedoms must apply to whatever code |
83 |
specific freedoms adequate or not.</p> |
we plan to make use of, or lead others to make use of. For instance, |
84 |
|
consider a program A which automatically launches a program B to |
85 |
<p>Freedom to distribute (freedoms 2 and 3) means you are free to |
handle some cases. If we plan to distribute A as it stands, that |
86 |
redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either |
implies users will need B, so we need to judge whether both A and B |
87 |
gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to |
are free. However, if we plan to modify A so that it doesn't use B, |
88 |
<a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>. Being free to do these |
only A needs to be free; B is not pertinent to that plan.</p> |
|
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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|
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<p> |
<p> |
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You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them |
“Free software” does not mean “noncommercial”. A free |
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privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they |
program must be available for commercial use, commercial development, |
93 |
exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to |
and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software |
94 |
notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way. |
is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
95 |
|
You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have |
96 |
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obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies, |
97 |
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you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to |
98 |
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<a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>. |
99 |
</p> |
</p> |
100 |
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|
101 |
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<p>The rest of this page clarifies certain points about what makes |
102 |
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specific freedoms adequate or not.</p> |
103 |
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|
104 |
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<h4>The freedom to run the program as you wish</h4> |
105 |
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|
106 |
<p> |
<p> |
107 |
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 |
108 |
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 |
120 |
functionality the program has, or whether it is useful for what you |
functionality the program has, or whether it is useful for what you |
121 |
want to do.</p> |
want to do.</p> |
122 |
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|
123 |
<p> |
<h4>The freedom to study the source code and make changes</h4> |
|
The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable |
|
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forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and |
|
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unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary |
|
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for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is OK if there |
|
|
is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program |
|
|
(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> |
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125 |
<p> |
<p> |
126 |
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 |
137 |
run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours — a |
run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours — a |
138 |
practice known as “tivoization” or “lockdown”, |
practice known as “tivoization” or “lockdown”, |
139 |
or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as “secure |
or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as “secure |
140 |
boot” — freedom 1 becomes a theoretical fiction rather |
boot” — freedom 1 becomes an empty pretense rather than a |
141 |
than a practical freedom. This is not sufficient. In other words, |
practical reality. These binaries are not free |
142 |
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. |
|
compiled from is free. |
|
143 |
</p> |
</p> |
144 |
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|
145 |
<p> |
<p> |
151 |
</p> |
</p> |
152 |
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|
153 |
<p> |
<p> |
154 |
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Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter. |
155 |
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If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that |
156 |
|
someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free. |
157 |
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</p> |
158 |
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|
159 |
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<h4>The freedom to redistribute if you wish: basic requirements</h4> |
160 |
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|
161 |
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<p>Freedom to distribute (freedoms 2 and 3) means you are free to |
162 |
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redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either |
163 |
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gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to |
164 |
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<a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>. Being free to do these |
165 |
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things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay |
166 |
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for permission to do so. |
167 |
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</p> |
168 |
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|
169 |
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<p> |
170 |
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You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them |
171 |
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privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they |
172 |
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exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to |
173 |
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notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way. |
174 |
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</p> |
175 |
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|
176 |
|
<p> |
177 |
Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions |
Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions |
178 |
as free software. A free license may also permit other ways of |
as free software. A free license may also permit other ways of |
179 |
releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be |
releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be |
183 |
</p> |
</p> |
184 |
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|
185 |
<p> |
<p> |
186 |
In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and |
The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable |
187 |
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 |
188 |
software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add |
unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary |
189 |
restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give |
for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is OK if there |
190 |
cause, the software is not free. |
is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program |
191 |
|
(since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the |
192 |
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freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to |
193 |
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make them. |
194 |
</p> |
</p> |
195 |
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|
196 |
|
<h4>Copyleft</h4> |
197 |
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|
198 |
<p> |
<p> |
199 |
However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free |
Certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free |
200 |
software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central |
software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central |
201 |
freedoms. For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that |
freedoms. For example, <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> |
202 |
when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny |
(very simply stated) is the rule that when redistributing the program, |
203 |
other people the central freedoms. This rule does not conflict with |
you cannot add restrictions to deny other people the central freedoms. |
204 |
the central freedoms; rather it protects them. |
This rule does not conflict with the central freedoms; rather it |
205 |
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protects them. |
206 |
</p> |
</p> |
207 |
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|
208 |
<p> |
<p> |
209 |
In the GNU project, we use <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html"> |
In the GNU project, we use copyleft to protect the four freedoms |
210 |
copyleft </a> to protect the four freedoms legally for everyone. We |
legally for everyone. We believe there are important reasons why |
|
believe there are important reasons why |
|
211 |
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use |
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use |
212 |
copyleft</a>. However, |
copyleft</a>. However, |
213 |
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware"> |
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware"> |
218 |
relate to each other. |
relate to each other. |
219 |
</p> |
</p> |
220 |
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|
221 |
<p> |
<h4>Rules about packaging and distribution details</h4> |
|
“Free software” does not mean “noncommercial”. A free |
|
|
program must be available for commercial use, commercial development, |
|
|
and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software |
|
|
is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
|
|
You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have |
|
|
obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies, |
|
|
you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to |
|
|
<a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>. |
|
|
</p> |
|
|
|
|
|
<p> |
|
|
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> |
|
222 |
|
|
223 |
<p> |
<p> |
224 |
However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, |
Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, |
225 |
if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified |
if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified |
226 |
versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. |
versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. |
227 |
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 |
253 |
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 |
254 |
alias for the modified version.</p> |
alias for the modified version.</p> |
255 |
|
|
256 |
|
<h4>Export regulations</h4> |
257 |
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|
258 |
<p> |
<p> |
259 |
Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a> |
Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a> |
260 |
and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of |
and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of |
277 |
software nonfree. |
software nonfree. |
278 |
</p> |
</p> |
279 |
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|
280 |
|
<h4>Legal considerations</h4> |
281 |
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|
282 |
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<p> |
283 |
|
In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and |
284 |
|
irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the |
285 |
|
software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add |
286 |
|
restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give |
287 |
|
cause, the software is not free. |
288 |
|
</p> |
289 |
|
|
290 |
<p> |
<p> |
291 |
A free license may not require compliance with the license of a |
A free license may not require compliance with the license of a |
292 |
nonfree program. Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to |
nonfree program. Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to |
301 |
law applies, or where litigation must be done, or both. |
law applies, or where litigation must be done, or both. |
302 |
</p> |
</p> |
303 |
|
|
304 |
|
<h4>Contract-based licenses</h4> |
305 |
|
|
306 |
<p> |
<p> |
307 |
Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits |
Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits |
308 |
on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright. If a |
on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright. If a |
322 |
it is nonfree. |
it is nonfree. |
323 |
</p> |
</p> |
324 |
|
|
325 |
|
<h4>Use the right words when talking about free software</h4> |
326 |
|
|
327 |
<p> |
<p> |
328 |
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms |
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms |
329 |
like “give away” or “for free,” because those terms imply that |
like “give away” or “for free,” because those terms imply that |
335 |
“free software”</a> into various languages. |
“free software”</a> into various languages. |
336 |
</p> |
</p> |
337 |
|
|
338 |
|
<h4>How we interpret these criteria</h4> |
339 |
|
|
340 |
<p> |
<p> |
341 |
Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software |
Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software |
342 |
definition require careful thought for their interpretation. To decide |
definition require careful thought for their interpretation. To decide |
351 |
it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify. |
it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify. |
352 |
</p> |
</p> |
353 |
|
|
354 |
|
<h4>Get help with free licenses</h4> |
355 |
|
|
356 |
<p> |
<p> |
357 |
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 |
358 |
software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list |
software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list |
400 |
<h3 id="open-source">Open Source?</h3> |
<h3 id="open-source">Open Source?</h3> |
401 |
|
|
402 |
<p> |
<p> |
403 |
Another group has started using the term “open source” to mean |
Another group uses the term “open source” to mean |
404 |
something close (but not identical) to “free software”. We |
something close (but not identical) to “free software”. We |
405 |
prefer the term “free software” because, once you have heard that |
prefer the term “free software” because, once you have heard that |
406 |
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 |
416 |
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|
417 |
<ul> |
<ul> |
418 |
|
|
419 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.140&r2=1.141">Version |
420 |
|
1.141</a>: Clarify which code needs to be free.</li> |
421 |
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|
422 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.134&r2=1.135">Version |
423 |
|
1.135</a>: Say each time that freedom 0 is the freedom to run the program |
424 |
|
as you wish.</li> |
425 |
|
|
426 |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.133&r2=1.134">Version |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.133&r2=1.134">Version |
427 |
1.134</a>: Freedom 0 is not a matter of the program's functionality.</li> |
1.134</a>: Freedom 0 is not a matter of the program's functionality.</li> |
428 |
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|
522 |
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|
523 |
<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="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.10&r2=1.11">Version |
524 |
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 |
525 |
versions you distribute to the author.</li> |
versions you distribute to previous developers on request.</li> |
526 |
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|
527 |
</ul> |
</ul> |
528 |
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567 |
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568 |
<!-- Regarding copyright, in general, standalone pages (as opposed to |
<!-- Regarding copyright, in general, standalone pages (as opposed to |
569 |
files generated as part of manuals) on the GNU web server should |
files generated as part of manuals) on the GNU web server should |
570 |
be under CC BY-ND 3.0 US. Please do NOT change or remove this |
be under CC BY-ND 4.0. Please do NOT change or remove this |
571 |
without talking with the webmasters or licensing team first. |
without talking with the webmasters or licensing team first. |
572 |
Please make sure the copyright date is consistent with the |
Please make sure the copyright date is consistent with the |
573 |
document. For web pages, it is ok to list just the latest year the |
document. For web pages, it is ok to list just the latest year the |
582 |
There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers |
There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers |
583 |
Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. --> |
Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. --> |
584 |
|
|
585 |
<p>Copyright © 1996-2002, 2004-2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 |
<p>Copyright © 1996, 2002, 2004-2007, 2009-2016 |
586 |
Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p> |
Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p> |
587 |
|
|
588 |
<p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license" |
<p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license" |
589 |
href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/us/">Creative |
href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">Creative |
590 |
Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License</a>.</p> |
Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.</p> |
591 |
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<!--#include virtual="/server/bottom-notes.html" --> |
<!--#include virtual="/server/bottom-notes.html" --> |
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