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 <H3>The Free Software Definition</H3>  
   
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2    
3  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be  <title>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</title>
4  true about a particular software program for it to be considered  
5  free software.  <meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" />
6    <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." />
7    <link rel="alternate" title="What's New" href="http://www.gnu.org/rss/whatsnew.rss" type="application/rss+xml" />
8    <link rel="alternate" title="New Free Software" href="http://www.gnu.org/rss/quagga.rss" type="application/rss+xml" />
9    
10    <!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" -->
11    
12  <P>  <h2>The Free Software Definition</h2>
13    
14  ``Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand the  <p>
15  concept, you should think of ``free'' as in ``free speech,'' not as in  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be
16  ``free beer.''  true about a particular software program for it to be considered free
17  <P>  software.  From time to time we revise this definition to clarify it.
18  Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy,  If you would like to review the changes we've made, please see
19  distribute, study, change and improve the software.  More precisely,  the <a href="#History">History section</a> below for more information.
20  it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:  </p>
21  <P>  
22    <p>
23  <UL>  <q>Free software</q> is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand
24    <LI>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).  the concept, you should think of <q>free</q> as in <q>free speech,</q>
25    <LI>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs  not as in <q>free beer.</q>
26        (freedom 1).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.  </p>
27    <LI>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor  
28    <p>
29    Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute,
30    study, change and improve the software.  More precisely, it means that the
31    program's users have the four essential freedoms:
32    </p>
33    
34    <ul>
35      <li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>
36      <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make
37          it do what you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a
38          precondition for this.
39      </li>
40      <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
41        (freedom 2).        (freedom 2).
42    <LI>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements    </li>
43       to the public, so that the whole community benefits.    <li>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements
44        (freedom 3).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        (and modified versions in general)
45  </UL>        to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3).
46          Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
47  <P>    </li>
48  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.  </ul>
49  Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or  
50  without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for  <p>
51  distribution, to <A HREF="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</A>.  Being  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.  Thus,
52  free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not  you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without
53  have to ask or pay for permission.  modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to
54    <a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>.  Being free to do these
55    things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay
56    for permission.
57    </p>
58    
59  <P>  <p>
60  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them
61  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they
62  exist.  If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to  exist.  If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to
63  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.
64    </p>
65    
66  <P>  <p>
67  The freedom to use a program means the freedom for any kind of person  The freedom to run the program means the freedom for any kind of person
68  or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind  or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind of
69  of overall job, and without being required to communicate subsequently  overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it
70  with the developer or any other specific entity.  with the developer or any other specific entity.  In this freedom, it is
71    the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>
72    purpose; you as a user are free to run a program for your purposes,
73    and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it
74    for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her.
75    </p>
76    
77  <P>  <p>
78  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable
79  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
80  unmodified versions.  It is ok if there is no way to produce a binary  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary
81  or executable form (since some languages don't support that feature),  for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is ok if there
82  but you must have the freedom to redistribute such forms should you  is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program
83  find or develop a way to make them.  (since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the
84    freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to
85    make them.
86    </p>
87    
88  <P>  <p>
89  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved
90  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of
91  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary
92  condition for free software.  condition for free software.
93    </p>
94    
95  <P>  <p>
96  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of
97  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
98  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give  run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours &mdash;
99  cause, the software is not free.  a practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or (through
100    blacklisting) as &ldquo;secure boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 become a
101    theoretical fiction rather than a practical freedom.  This is not
102    sufficient.
103    </p>
104    
105    <p>
106    One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
107    subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
108    cannot merge in a suitably-licensed existing module, such as if it
109    requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add, then the
110    license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
111    </p>
112    
113    <p>
114    In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
115    irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the
116    software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively change
117    its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give cause, the
118    software is not free.
119    </p>
120    
121  <P>  <p>
122  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
123  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
124  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that
125  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny
126  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with
127  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.
128    </p>
129    
130  <P>  <p>
131  Thus, you may have paid money to get copies of GNU software, or you  <q>Free software</q> does not mean <q>non-commercial.</q>  A free
132  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got  program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
133  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the  and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software
134  software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>.  is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
135  <P>  You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have
136    obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got your copies,
137  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program  you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to
138  must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and  <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
139  commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software is  </p>
140  no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.  
141    <p>
142  <P>  Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
143  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  If your modifications are limited, in substance, to changes that
144  don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions.  someone else considers an improvement, that is not freedom.
145  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must  </p>
146  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the  
147  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of  <p>
148  whether to publish the program or not.)  It is also acceptable for the  However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they
149  license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version  don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified versions, or
150  and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you must send one.  your freedom to make and use modified versions privately.  Rules that <q>if
151    you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in
152  <P>  that way also</q> can be acceptable too, on the same condition.  (Note that
153  In the GNU project, we use <A HREF="/copyleft/copyleft.html">  such a rule still leaves you the choice of whether to publish your version
154  ``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  at all.)  Rules that require release of source code to the users for
155  <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">  versions that you put into public use are also acceptable.  It is also
156  non-copylefted free software</A> also exists.  We believe there are  acceptable for the license to require that, if you have distributed a
157  important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is  modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you
158  better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free  must send one, or that you identify yourself on your modifications.
159  software, we can still use it.  </p>
160    
161  <P>  <p>
162  See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software  In the GNU project, we use
163         (18k characters)</A>  <q><a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a></q>
164  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But
165  other categories of software relate to each other.  <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted
166    free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are important reasons why
167  <P>  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is better to use copyleft</a>,
168  Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control  but if your program is non-copylefted free software, it is still basically
169  regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to  ethical.
170  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do  </p>
171  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but  
172  what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of  <p>
173  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect  See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a>
174  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.  for a description of how <q>free software,</q> <q>copylefted software</q>
175    and other categories of software relate to each other.
176  <P>  </p>
177  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like  
178  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the  <p>
179  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a>
180  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See <A  and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of
181  HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases  programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to
182  that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms.  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
183  We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations  is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program.  In this
184  of "free software"</A> into various languages.  way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
185    jurisdictions of these governments.  Thus, free software licenses
186  <P>  must not require obedience to any export regulations as a condition of
187    any of the essential freedoms.
188    </p>
189    
190    <p>
191    Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
192    on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  If a
193    copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it
194    is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated
195    (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software
196    licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
197    range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways
198    such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and non-free.
199    </p>
200    
201    <p>
202    We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen.  If a
203    contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
204    copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
205    legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
206    it is non-free.
207    </p>
208    
209    <p>
210    When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
211    like <q>give away</q> or <q>for free,</q> because those terms imply that
212    the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
213    as <q>piracy</q> embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
214    <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
215    are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
216    a list of <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
217    <q>free software</q></a> into various languages.
218    </p>
219    
220    <p>
221  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
222  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide
223  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
224  software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine  we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their
225  whether it fits their spirit as well as the precise words.  If a  spirit as well as the precise words.  If a license includes unconscionable
226  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we  restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue
227  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license  in these criteria.  Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue
228  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought,  that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer,
229  including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the  before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable.  When we reach
230  requirement is acceptable.  When we reach a conclusion about a new  a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make
231  issue, we often update these criteria to make it easier to see why  it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify.
232  certain licenses do or don't qualify.  </p>
233    
234  <P>  <p>
235    If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free
236  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a  software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list
237  free software license, see our <A  of licenses</a>.  If the license you are concerned with is not
238  HREF="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</A>.  If the  listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at
239  license you are concerned with is not listed there, you can ask us  <a href="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
240  about it by sending us email at <A  </p>
241  HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</A>.  
242    <p>
243  <HR>  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the FSF
244    by writing to that address. The proliferation of different free software
245  <H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4>  licenses means increased work for users in understanding the licenses;
246    we may be able to help you find an existing Free Software license that
247  <P>  meets your needs.
248  Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean  </p>
249  something close (but not identical) to "free software".  We prefer the  
250  term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom  <p>
251  rather than price, <A HREF="free-software-for-freedom.html">it calls  If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our
252  to mind freedom</A>.  help you can ensure that the license really is a Free Software license
253    and avoid various practical problems.
254  <HR>  </p>
255  [  
256  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  <h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2>
257  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
258    <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A>  <p>
259  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
260  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the
261  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  manuals are in effect part of the software.
262  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A>  </p>
263  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A>  
264  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A>  <p>
265  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
266  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
267  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  such as educational works and reference
268  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best known
269  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  example.
270  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  </p>
271  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  
272  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A>        <p>
273  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software
274  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
275  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
276  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  </p>
277  ]  
278  <P>  <h2 id="open-source">Open Source?</h2>
279  Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>.  
280  <P>  <p>
281    Another group has started using the term <q>open source</q> to mean
282  Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries &amp; questions to  something close (but not identical) to <q>free software.</q>  We
283    prefer the term <q>free software</q> because, once you have heard that
284  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
285  There are also <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to  word <q>open</q> <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
286  contact</A> the FSF.  never refers to freedom</a>.
287  <P>  </p>
288    
289  Please send comments on these web pages to  <h2 id="History">History</h2>
290    
291  <A HREF="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@gnu.org</EM></A>,  <p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition to
292  send other questions to  clarify it.  Here we provide a list of those modifications, along with
293  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  links to illustrate exactly what changed, so that others can review
294  <P>  them if they like.</p>
295  Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.,  
296  59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111,  USA  <ul>
297  <P>  
298  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.79&amp;r2=1.80">Version
299  permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.  1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
300  <P>  i.e., no tivoization.</li>
301    
302    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.76&amp;r2=1.77">Version
303    1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are
304    unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
305    replacement.</li>
306    
307    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.73&amp;r2=1.74">Version
308    1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
309    in some places but not reflected everywhere:
310    <ul>
311    <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can
312    substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
313    Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
314    <li>The right to merge in existing modules
315    refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
316    <li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
317    <li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
318    </ul>
319    </li>
320    
321    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.56&amp;r2=1.57">Version
322    1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>
323    
324    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.45&amp;r2=1.46">Version
325    1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
326    the program for any purpose.</li>
327    
328    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.40&amp;r2=1.41">Version
329    1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
330    
331    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.39&amp;r2=1.40">Version
332    1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other
333    available free software to create your modifications.</li>
334    
335    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.38&amp;r2=1.39">Version
336    1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
337    provide source for versions of the software you put into public
338    use.</li>
339    
340    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.30&amp;r2=1.31">Version
341    1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
342    identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
343    clarifications throughout the text.</li>
344    
345    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.22&amp;r2=1.23">Version
346    1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
347    licenses.</li>
348    
349    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.15&amp;r2=1.16">Version
350    1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
351    
352    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.10&amp;r2=1.11">Version
353    1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of
354    versions you distribute to the author.</li>
355    
356    </ul>
357    
358    <p>There are gaps in the version numbers because there are many other
359    changes that do not affect the substance of the definition at all.
360    Instead, they fix links, add translations, and so on.  If you would
361    like to review the complete list of changes, you can do so on
362    our <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
363    interface</a>.</p>
364    
365    </div>
366    
367    <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
368    
369    <div id="footer">
370    
371    <p>
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373    <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org">&lt;gnu@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
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376    <br />
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378    <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">&lt;webmasters@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
379    </p>
380    
381    <p>
382    Please see the
383    <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
384    README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting
385    translations of this article.
386    </p>
387    
388    <p>
389    Copyright &copy; 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
390    2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
391    </p>
392    <p>Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is
393    permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is
394    preserved.
395    </p>
396    
397    <p>
398  Updated:  Updated:
399  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
400  $Date$ $Author$  $Date$
401  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
402  <HR>  </p>
403  </BODY>  </div>
404  </HTML>  
405    <div id="translations">
406    <h4>Translations of this page</h4>
407    
408    <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical, and in the original -->
409    <!-- language if possible, otherwise default to English -->
410    <!-- If you do not have it English, please comment what the -->
411    <!-- English is.  If you add a new language here, please -->
412    <!-- advise web-translators@gnu.org and add it to -->
413    <!--    - in /home/www/bin/nightly-vars either TAGSLANG or WEBLANG -->
414    <!--    - in /home/www/html/server/standards/README.translations.html -->
415    <!--      one of the lists under the section "Translations Underway" -->
416    <!--    - if there is a translation team, you also have to add an alias -->
417    <!--      to mail.gnu.org:/com/mailer/aliases -->
418    <!-- Please also check you have the 2 letter language code right versus -->
419    <!--     http://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/IG/ert/iso639.htm -->
420    <ul class="translations-list">
421    <!-- Afrikaans -->
422    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.af.html">Afrikaans</a>&nbsp;[af]</li>
423    <!-- Arabic -->
424    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ar.html">&#1575;&#1604;&#1593;&#1585;&#1576;&#1610;&#1577;</a>&nbsp;[ar]</li>
425    <!-- Azerbaijani -->
426    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.az.html">Az&#x0259;rbaycanca</a>&nbsp;[az]</li>
427    <!-- Bulgarian -->
428    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bg.html">&#x431;&#x44A;&#x43B;&#x433;&#x430;&#x440;&#x441;&#x43A;&#x438;</a>&nbsp;[bg]</li>
429    <!-- Bengali -->
430    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bn.html">&#2476;&#2494;&#2434;&#2482;&#2494;</a>&nbsp;[bn]</li>
431    <!-- Bosnian -->
432    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bs.html">bosanski</a>&nbsp;[bs]</li>
433    <!-- Catalan -->
434    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ca.html">catal&#x00e0;</a>&nbsp;[ca]</li>
435    <!-- Czech -->
436    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">&#x010c;esky</a>&nbsp;[cs]</li>
437    <!-- Danish -->
438    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">dansk</a>&nbsp;[da]</li>
439    <!-- German -->
440    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">Deutsch</a>&nbsp;[de]</li>
441    <!-- Greek -->
442    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.el.html">&#x03b5;&#x03bb;&#x03bb;&#x03b7;&#x03bd;&#x03b9;&#x03ba;&#x03ac;</a>&nbsp;[el]</li>
443    <!-- English -->
444    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</a>&nbsp;[en]</li>
445    <!-- Esperanto -->
446    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.eo.html">Esperanto</a>&nbsp;[eo]</li>
447    <!-- Spanish -->
448    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">espa&#x00f1;ol</a>&nbsp;[es]</li>
449    <!-- Farsi (Persian) -->
450    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fa.html">&#x0641;&#x0627;&#x0631;&#x0633;&#x06cc;</a>&nbsp;[fa]</li>
451    <!-- French -->
452    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">fran&#x00e7;ais</a>&nbsp;[fr]</li>
453    <!-- Galician -->
454    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">galego</a>&nbsp;[gl]</li>
455    <!-- Hebrew -->
456    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">&#x05e2;&#x05d1;&#x05e8;&#x05d9;&#x05ea;</a>&nbsp;[he]</li>
457    <!-- Croatian -->
458    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">hrvatski</a>&nbsp;[hr]</li>
459    <!-- Hungarian -->
460    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">magyar</a>&nbsp;[hu]</li>
461    <!-- Indonesian -->
462    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a>&nbsp;[id]</li>
463    <!-- Italian -->
464    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">italiano</a>&nbsp;[it]</li>
465    <!-- Japanese -->
466    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">&#x65e5;&#x672c;&#x8a9e;</a>&nbsp;[ja]</li>
467    <!-- Korean -->
468    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">&#xd55c;&#xad6d;&#xc5b4;</a>&nbsp;[ko]</li>
469    <!-- Norwegian Bokmål -->
470    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nb.html">norsk (bokm&aring;l)</a>&nbsp;[nb]</li>
471    <!-- Dutch -->
472    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a>&nbsp;[nl]</li>
473    <!-- Polish -->
474    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">polski</a>&nbsp;[pl]</li>
475    <!-- Brazilian Portuguese -->
476    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt-br.html">portugu&#x0ea;s do Brasil</a>&nbsp;[pt-br]</li>
477    <!-- Romanian -->
478    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">rom&#x00e2;n&#x0103;</a>&nbsp;[ro]</li>
479    <!-- Russian -->
480    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">&#x0440;&#x0443;&#x0441;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;&#x0439;</a>&nbsp;[ru]</li>
481    <!-- Slovak -->
482    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sk.html">sloven&#269;ina</a>&nbsp;[sk]</li>
483    <!--- Slovenian -->
484    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">sloven&scaron;&#269;ina</a>&nbsp;[sl]</li>
485    <!-- Serbian -->
486    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sr.html">&#x0441;&#x0440;&#x043f;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;</a>&nbsp;[sr]</li>
487    <!-- Swedish -->
488    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">svenska</a>&nbsp;[sv]</li>
489    <!-- Tamil -->
490    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ta.html">&#2980;&#2990;&#3007;&#2996;&#3021;</a>&nbsp;[ta]</li>
491    <!-- Tagalog -->
492    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tl.html">Tagalog</a>&nbsp;[tl]</li>
493    <!-- Turkish -->
494    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">T&#x00fc;rk&#x00e7;e</a>&nbsp;[tr]</li>
495    <!-- Chinese (Simplified) -->
496    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-cn.html">&#x7b80;&#x4f53;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-cn]</li>
497    <!-- Chinese (Traditional) -->
498    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-tw.html">&#x7e41;&#x9ad4;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-tw]</li>
499    </ul>
500    </div>
501    
502    </div>
503    
504    </body>
505    </html>
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