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1  <!--#include virtual="/server/header.html" -->  <!--#include virtual="/server/header.html" -->
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6  <title>What is Free Software?  <title>What is Free Software?
7  - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title>  - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title>
8  <style type="text/css" media="print,screen"><!--  <style type="text/css" media="print,screen"><!--
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14  <meta http-equiv="Description" content="Since 1983, developing the free Unix style operating system GNU, so that computer users can have the freedom to share and improve the software they use." />  <meta name="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." />
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20  <div class="reduced-width">  <div class="article reduced-width">
21  <h2>What is Free Software?</h2>  <h2>What is Free Software?</h2>
22  <div class="thin"></div>  <div class="thin"></div>
23    
 <div class="article">  
24  <div class="important">  <div class="important">
25  <p>  <p>
26  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; means software that respects users'  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; means software that respects users'
# Line 31  freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, Line 29  freedom to run, copy, distribute, study,
29  software</b>.  Thus, &ldquo;free software&rdquo; is a matter of  software</b>.  Thus, &ldquo;free software&rdquo; is a matter of
30  liberty, not price.  To understand the concept, you should think of  liberty, not price.  To understand the concept, you should think of
31  &ldquo;free&rdquo; as in &ldquo;free speech,&rdquo; not as in  &ldquo;free&rdquo; as in &ldquo;free speech,&rdquo; not as in
32  &ldquo;free beer&rdquo;.  We sometimes call it &ldquo;libre  &ldquo;free beer.&rdquo;  We sometimes call it &ldquo;libre
33  software,&rdquo; borrowing the French or Spanish word for  software,&rdquo; borrowing the French or Spanish word for
34  &ldquo;free&rdquo; as in freedom, to show we do not mean the software  &ldquo;free&rdquo; as in freedom, to show we do not mean the software
35  is gratis.  is gratis.
# Line 104  Why &ldquo;Open Source&rdquo; misses the Line 102  Why &ldquo;Open Source&rdquo; misses the
102  </ul>  </ul>
103  </div>  </div>
104    
105  <div class="edu-note" id="fsf-licensing">  <div class="edu-note" id="fsf-licensing" role="complementary">
106  <p style="font-size:80%">  <p style="font-size:80%">
107  Have a question about free software licensing not answered here?  Have a question about free software licensing not answered here?
108  See our other <a href="http://www.fsf.org/licensing">licensing resources</a>,  See our other <a href="http://www.fsf.org/licensing">licensing resources</a>,
# Line 114  at <a href="mailto:licensing@fsf.org">li Line 112  at <a href="mailto:licensing@fsf.org">li
112  </div>  </div>
113    
114    
115  <h3 id="fs-definition" class="subheader">The Free Software Definition</h3>  <h3 id="fs-definition">The Free Software Definition</h3>
116    
117  <p>  <p>
118  The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a  The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a
# Line 166  only A needs to be free; B is not pertin Line 164  only A needs to be free; B is not pertin
164  <h4 id="selling">Free software <em>can</em> be commercial</h4>  <h4 id="selling">Free software <em>can</em> be commercial</h4>
165    
166  <p>  <p>
167  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; does not mean &ldquo;noncommercial&rdquo;.  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; does not mean &ldquo;noncommercial.&rdquo;
168  On the contrary, a free program must be available for commercial use,  On the contrary, a free program must be available for commercial use,
169  commercial development, and commercial distribution.  This policy is  commercial development, and commercial distribution.  This policy is
170  of fundamental importance&mdash;without this, free software could not  of fundamental importance&mdash;without this, free software could not
# Line 203  renders the program nonfree. Line 201  renders the program nonfree.
201  </p>  </p>
202    
203    
204  <h3 id="clarifying" class="subheader">Clarifying the Boundary Between Free and Nonfree</h3>  <h3 id="clarifying">Clarifying the Boundary Between Free and Nonfree</h3>
205    
206  <p>In the rest of this article we explain more precisely how far the  <p>In the rest of this article we explain more precisely how far the
207  various freedoms need to extend, on various issues, in order for a  various freedoms need to extend, on various issues, in order for a
# Line 218  overall job and purpose, without being r Line 216  overall job and purpose, without being r
216  with the developer or any other specific entity.  In this freedom, it is  with the developer or any other specific entity.  In this freedom, it is
217  the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>  the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>
218  purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes,  purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes,
219  and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it  and if you distribute it to other people, they are then free to run it for
220  for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her.  their purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on them.
221  </p>  </p>
222    
223  <p>  <p>
# Line 254  as source code. Line 252  as source code.
252  </p>  </p>
253    
254  <p>  <p>
255    Source code is defined as the preferred form of the program for making
256    changes in.  Thus, whatever form a developer changes to develop
257    the program is the source code of that developer's version.
258    </p>
259    
260    <p>
261  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
262  the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to  the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
263  run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours &mdash; a  run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours&mdash;a
264  practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or &ldquo;lockdown&rdquo;,  practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or &ldquo;lockdown,&rdquo;
265  or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as &ldquo;secure  or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as &ldquo;secure
266  boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 becomes an empty pretense rather than a  boot&rdquo;&mdash;freedom 1 becomes an empty pretense rather than a
267  practical reality.  These binaries are not free  practical reality.  These binaries are not free
268  software even if the source code they are compiled from is free.  software even if the source code they are compiled from is free.
269  </p>  </p>
# Line 267  software even if the source code they ar Line 271  software even if the source code they ar
271  <p>  <p>
272  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
273  subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you  subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
274  cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module &mdash; for instance, if it  cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module&mdash;for instance, if it
275  requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add &mdash; then the  requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add&mdash;then the
276  license is too restrictive to qualify as free.  license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
277  </p>  </p>
278    
# Line 419  cause, the software is not free. Line 423  cause, the software is not free.
423  <p>  <p>
424  A free license may not require compliance with the license of a  A free license may not require compliance with the license of a
425  nonfree program.  Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to  nonfree program.  Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to
426  comply with the licenses of &ldquo;all the programs you use&rdquo;, in  comply with the licenses of &ldquo;all the programs you use,&rdquo; in
427  the case of a user that runs nonfree programs this would require  the case of a user that runs nonfree programs this would require
428  compliance with the licenses of those nonfree programs; that makes the  compliance with the licenses of those nonfree programs; that makes the
429  license nonfree.  license nonfree.
# Line 451  legitimate, we will have to think about Line 455  legitimate, we will have to think about
455  it is nonfree.  it is nonfree.
456  </p>  </p>
457    
458  <h3 id="in-practice" class="subheader">The Free Software Definition in Practice</h3>  <h3 id="in-practice">The Free Software Definition in Practice</h3>
459    
460  <h4 id="interpretation">How we interpret these criteria</h4>  <h4 id="interpretation">How we interpret these criteria</h4>
461    
# Line 508  a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs Line 512  a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs
512    
513  <p id="open-source">  <p id="open-source">
514  Another group uses the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean  Another group uses the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean
515  something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software&rdquo;.  We  something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software.&rdquo;  We
516  prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that  prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that
517  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
518  word &ldquo;open&rdquo; never refers to freedom.  word &ldquo;open&rdquo; never refers to freedom.
519  </p>  </p>
520    
521  <h3 id="beyond-software" class="subheader">Beyond Software</h3>  <h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3>
522    
523  <p>  <p>
524  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
# Line 524  manuals are in effect part of the softwa Line 528  manuals are in effect part of the softwa
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 &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,  practical use&mdash;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="https://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known  works.  <a href="https://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known
534  example.  example.
# Line 535  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, a Line 539  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, a
539  has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">  has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
540  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
541  </p>  </p>
 <hr class="column-limit" />  
 </div>  
542    
543  <h3 id="History">History</h3>  <h3 id="History">History</h3>
544    
# Line 546  was changed.</p> Line 548  was changed.</p>
548    
549  <ul>  <ul>
550    
551  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.168&amp;r2=1.169">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.168&amp;r2=1.169">Version
552  1.169</a>: Explain more clearly why the four freedoms must apply  1.169</a>: Explain more clearly why the four freedoms must apply
553  to commercial activity.  Explain why the four freedoms imply the  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  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>  is no need to state those as separate requirements.</li>
556    
557  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.164&amp;r2=1.165">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.164&amp;r2=1.165">Version
558  1.165</a>: Clarify that arbitrary annoyances in the code do not  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>  negate freedom 0, and that freedoms 1 and 3 enable users to remove them.</li>
560    
561  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.152&amp;r2=1.153">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.152&amp;r2=1.153">Version
562  1.153</a>: Clarify that freedom to run the program means nothing stops  1.153</a>: Clarify that freedom to run the program means nothing stops
563  you from making it run.</li>  you from making it run.</li>
564    
565  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.140&amp;r2=1.141">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.140&amp;r2=1.141">Version
566  1.141</a>: Clarify which code needs to be free.</li>  1.141</a>: Clarify which code needs to be free.</li>
567    
568  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.134&amp;r2=1.135">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.134&amp;r2=1.135">Version
569  1.135</a>: Say each time that freedom 0 is the freedom to run the program  1.135</a>: Say each time that freedom 0 is the freedom to run the program
570  as you wish.</li>  as you wish.</li>
571    
572  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.133&amp;r2=1.134">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.133&amp;r2=1.134">Version
573  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>
574    
575  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.130&amp;r2=1.131">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.130&amp;r2=1.131">Version
576  1.131</a>: A free license may not require compliance with a nonfree license  1.131</a>: A free license may not require compliance with a nonfree license
577  of another program.</li>  of another program.</li>
578    
579  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.128&amp;r2=1.129">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.128&amp;r2=1.129">Version
580  1.129</a>: State explicitly that choice of law and choice of forum  1.129</a>: State explicitly that choice of law and choice of forum
581  specifications are allowed.  (This was always our policy.)</li>  specifications are allowed.  (This was always our policy.)</li>
582    
583  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.121&amp;r2=1.122">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.121&amp;r2=1.122">Version
584  1.122</a>: An export control requirement is a real problem if the  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>  requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential problem.</li>
586    
587  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.117&amp;r2=1.118">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.117&amp;r2=1.118">Version
588  1.118</a>: Clarification: the issue is limits on your right to modify,  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  not on what modifications you have made.  And modifications are not limited
590  to &ldquo;improvements&rdquo;</li>  to &ldquo;improvements&rdquo;</li>
591    
592  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.110&amp;r2=1.111">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.110&amp;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&amp;r1=1.104&amp;r2=1.105">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.104&amp;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&amp;r1=1.91&amp;r2=1.92">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.91&amp;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&amp;r1=1.89&amp;r2=1.90">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.89&amp;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&amp;r1=1.88&amp;r2=1.89">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.88&amp;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&amp;r1=1.79&amp;r2=1.80">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.79&amp;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&amp;r1=1.76&amp;r2=1.77">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.76&amp;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&amp;r1=1.73&amp;r2=1.74">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.73&amp;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>&ldquo;Improvements&rdquo; 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
# Line 633  refers to those that are suitably licens Line 635  refers to those that are suitably licens
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&amp;r1=1.56&amp;r2=1.57">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.56&amp;r2=1.57">Version
639  1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>  1.57</a>: Add &ldquo;Beyond Software&rdquo; section.</li>
640    
641  <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  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.45&amp;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&amp;r1=1.40&amp;r2=1.41">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.40&amp;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&amp;r1=1.39&amp;r2=1.40">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.39&amp;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&amp;r1=1.38&amp;r2=1.39">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.38&amp;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&amp;r1=1.30&amp;r2=1.31">Version  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.30&amp;r2=1.31">Version
658  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
659  identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor  identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
660  clarifications throughout the text.</li>  clarifications throughout the text.</li>
661    
662  <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  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.22&amp;r2=1.23">Version
663  1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based  1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
664  licenses.</li>  licenses.</li>
665    
666  <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  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.15&amp;r2=1.16">Version
667  1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>  1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
668    
669  <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  <li><a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.10&amp;r2=1.11">Version
670  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
671  versions you distribute to previous developers on request.</li>  versions you distribute to previous developers on request.</li>
672    
# Line 675  other changes in this page that do not a Line 677  other changes in this page that do not a
677  interpretations.  For instance, the list does not include changes in  interpretations.  For instance, the list does not include changes in
678  asides, formatting, spelling, punctuation, or other parts of the page.  asides, formatting, spelling, punctuation, or other parts of the page.
679  You can review the complete list of changes to the page through  You can review the complete list of changes to the page through
680  the <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb  the <a href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
681  interface</a>.</p>  interface</a>.</p>
682  <hr class="column-limit" />  <div class="column-limit"></div>
683    
684  <h3 class="footnote">Footnote</h3>  <h3 class="footnote">Footnote</h3>
685  <ol>  <ol>
# Line 736  of this article.</p> Line 738  of this article.</p>
738       There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers       There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers
739       Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. -->       Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. -->
740    
741  <p>Copyright &copy; 1996, 2002, 2004-2007, 2009-2021  <p>Copyright &copy; 1996-2002, 2004-2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
742  Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p>  Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p>
743    
744  <p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"  <p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"
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