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2  <!-- Parent-Version: 1.86 -->  <!-- Parent-Version: 1.96 -->
3  <title>What is free software?  <!-- This page is derived from /server/standards/boilerplate.html -->
4    <!--#set var="TAGS" value="essays aboutfs principles" -->
5    <!--#set var="DISABLE_TOP_ADDENDUM" value="yes" -->
6    <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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13  <meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" />  <meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" />
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 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." />
   
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20    <div class="article reduced-width">
21    <h2>What is Free Software?</h2>
22    <div class="thin"></div>
23    
24  <h2>What is free software?</h2>  <div class="important">
   
 <div class="article">  
 <h3>The Free Software Definition</h3>  
   
 <blockquote class="note" id="fsf-licensing"><p style="font-size: 80%">  
 Have a question about free software licensing not answered here?  
 See our other <a href="http://www.fsf.org/licensing">licensing resources</a>,  
 and if necessary contact the FSF Compliance Lab  
 at <a href="mailto:licensing@fsf.org">licensing@fsf.org</a>.</p>  
 </blockquote>  
   
 <div class="comment">  
 <p>  
 The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a  
 particular software program qualifies as free software.  From time to  
 time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions  
 about subtle issues.  See the <a href="#History">History section</a>  
 below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free  
 software.  
 </p>  
   
 <p>  
 &ldquo;Open source&rdquo; is something different: it has a very  
 different philosophy based on different values.  Its practical  
 definition is different too, but nearly all open source programs are  
 in fact free.  We explain the  
 difference in <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">  
 Why &ldquo;Open Source&rdquo; misses the point of Free Software</a>.  
 </p>  
 </div>  
   
25  <p>  <p>
26  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; means software that respects users'  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; means software that respects users'
27  freedom and community.  Roughly, it means that <b>the users have the  freedom and community.  Roughly, it means that <b>the users have the
# Line 53  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.
36  </p>  </p>
37    
38  <p>  <p>
39    You may have paid money to get copies of a free program, or you may
40    have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got your
41    copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the software,
42    even to <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
43    </p>
44    </div>
45    
46    <p>
47  We campaign for these freedoms because everyone deserves them.  With  We campaign for these freedoms because everyone deserves them.  With
48  these freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control  these freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control
49  the program and what it does for them.  When users don't control the  the program and what it does for them.  When users don't control the
# Line 70  program <a href="/philosophy/free-softwa Line 54  program <a href="/philosophy/free-softwa
54  an instrument of unjust power</a>.  an instrument of unjust power</a>.
55  </p>  </p>
56    
57  <h4> The four essential freedoms</h4>  <p>
58    &ldquo;Open source&rdquo; is something different: it has a very
59    different philosophy based on different values.  Its practical
60    definition is different too, but nearly all open source programs are
61    in fact free.  We explain the
62    difference in <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
63    Why &ldquo;Open Source&rdquo; misses the point of Free Software</a>.
64    </p>
65    
66    <div class="toc">
67    <hr class="no-display" />
68    <h3 class="no-display">Table of contents</h3>
69    <ul>
70     <li><a href="#fs-definition">The Free Software Definition</a>
71      <ul>
72       <li><a href="#four-freedoms">The four essential freedoms</a></li>
73       <li><a href="#selling">Free software <em>can</em> be commercial</a></li>
74      </ul>
75     </li>
76     <li><a href="#clarifying">Clarifying the Boundary Between Free and Nonfree</a>
77      <ul>
78       <li><a href="#run-the-program">The freedom to run the program as you
79         wish</a></li>
80       <li><a href="#make-changes">The freedom to study the source code and make
81         changes</a></li>
82       <li><a href="#redistribute">The freedom to redistribute if you wish:
83         basic requirements</a></li>
84       <li><a href="#copyleft">Copyleft</a></li>
85       <li><a href="#packaging">Rules about packaging and distribution
86         details</a></li>
87       <li><a href="#exportcontrol">Export regulations</a></li>
88       <li><a href="#legal-details">Legal considerations</a></li>
89       <li><a href="#contracts">Contract-based licenses</a></li>
90      </ul>
91     </li>
92     <li><a href="#in-practice">The Free Software Definition in Practice</a>
93      <ul>
94       <li><a href="#interpretation">How we interpret these criteria</a></li>
95       <li><a href="#get-help">Get help with free licenses</a></li>
96       <li><a href="#terminology">Use the right words when talking about free
97         software</a></li>
98      </ul>
99     </li>
100     <li><a href="#beyond-software">Beyond Software</a></li>
101     <li><a href="#History">History</a></li>
102    </ul>
103    </div>
104    
105    <div class="edu-note" id="fsf-licensing" role="complementary">
106    <p style="font-size:80%">
107    Have a question about free software licensing not answered here?
108    See our other <a href="http://www.fsf.org/licensing">licensing resources</a>,
109    and if necessary contact the FSF Compliance Lab
110    at <a href="mailto:licensing@fsf.org">licensing@fsf.org</a>.</p>
111    <hr class="no-display" />
112    </div>
113    
114    
115    <h3 id="fs-definition">The Free Software Definition</h3>
116    
117  <p>  <p>
118    The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a
119    particular software program qualifies as free software.  From time to
120    time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions
121    about subtle issues.  See the <a href="#History">History section</a>
122    below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free
123    software.
124    </p>
125    
126    <h4 id="four-freedoms">The four essential freedoms</h4>
127    <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
129  four essential freedoms: <a href="#f1">[1]</a>  four essential freedoms: <a href="#f1">[1]</a>
130  </p>  </p>
# Line 108  implies users will need B, so we need to Line 160  implies users will need B, so we need to
160  are free.  However, if we plan to modify A so that it doesn't use B,  are free.  However, if we plan to modify A so that it doesn't use B,
161  only A needs to be free; B is not pertinent to that plan.</p>  only A needs to be free; B is not pertinent to that plan.</p>
162    
163    
164    <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 145  them, is tantamount to not granting the Line 200  them, is tantamount to not granting the
200  renders the program nonfree.  renders the program nonfree.
201  </p>  </p>
202    
 <p>  
 You may have paid money to get copies of a free program, 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>  
203    
204  <h3>Clarifying the line at various points</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
208  program to be free.</p>  program to be free.</p>
209    
210  <h4>The freedom to run the program as you wish</h4>  <h4 id="run-the-program">The freedom to run the program as you wish</h4>
211    
212  <p>  <p>
213  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
# Line 187  loss of usefulness, because freedoms 1 a Line 236  loss of usefulness, because freedoms 1 a
236  communities to make and distribute modified versions without the  communities to make and distribute modified versions without the
237  arbitrary nuisance code.</p>  arbitrary nuisance code.</p>
238    
239  <p>&ldquo;As you wish&rdquo; includes, optonally, &ldquo;not at  <p>&ldquo;As you wish&rdquo; includes, optionally, &ldquo;not at
240  all&rdquo; if that is what you wish.  So there is no need for a  all&rdquo; if that is what you wish.  So there is no need for a
241  separate &ldquo;freedom not to run a program.&rdquo;<p>  separate &ldquo;freedom not to run a program.&rdquo;</p>
242    
243  <h4>The freedom to study the source code and make changes</h4>  <h4 id="make-changes">The freedom to study the source code and make changes</h4>
244    
245  <p>  <p>
246  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
# Line 205  as source code. Line 254  as source code.
254  <p>  <p>
255  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
256  the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to  the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
257  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
258  practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or &ldquo;lockdown&rdquo;,  practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or &ldquo;lockdown,&rdquo;
259  or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as &ldquo;secure  or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as &ldquo;secure
260  boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 becomes an empty pretense rather than a  boot&rdquo;&mdash;freedom 1 becomes an empty pretense rather than a
261  practical reality.  These binaries are not free  practical reality.  These binaries are not free
262  software even if the source code they are compiled from is free.  software even if the source code they are compiled from is free.
263  </p>  </p>
# Line 216  software even if the source code they ar Line 265  software even if the source code they ar
265  <p>  <p>
266  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
267  subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you  subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
268  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
269  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
270  license is too restrictive to qualify as free.  license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
271  </p>  </p>
272    
# Line 233  returns after doing nothing, or make it Line 282  returns after doing nothing, or make it
282  Thus, freedom 1 includes the &ldquo;freedom to delete the program.&rdquo;  Thus, freedom 1 includes the &ldquo;freedom to delete the program.&rdquo;
283  </p>  </p>
284    
285  <h4>The freedom to redistribute if you wish: basic requirements</h4>  <h4 id="redistribute">The freedom to redistribute if you wish: basic
286    requirements</h4>
287    
288  <p>Freedom to distribute (freedoms 2 and 3) means you are free to  <p>Freedom to distribute (freedoms 2 and 3) means you are free to
289  redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either  redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either
# Line 254  notify anyone in particular, or in any p Line 304  notify anyone in particular, or in any p
304  Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions  Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions
305  as free software.  A free license may also permit other ways of  as free software.  A free license may also permit other ways of
306  releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be  releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be
307  a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license.  However, a  a <a href="/licenses/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license.  However, a
308  license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify  license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify
309  as a free license.  as a free license.
310  </p>  </p>
# Line 270  freedom to redistribute such forms shoul Line 320  freedom to redistribute such forms shoul
320  make them.  make them.
321  </p>  </p>
322    
323  <h4>Copyleft</h4>  <h4 id="copyleft">Copyleft</h4>
324    
325  <p>  <p>
326  Certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  Certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
327  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
328  freedoms.  For example, <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a>  freedoms.  For example, <a href="/licenses/copyleft.html">copyleft</a>
329  (very simply stated) is the rule that when redistributing the program,  (very simply stated) is the rule that when redistributing the program,
330  you cannot add restrictions to deny other people the central freedoms.  you cannot add restrictions to deny other people the central freedoms.
331  This rule does not conflict with the central freedoms; rather it  This rule does not conflict with the central freedoms; rather it
# Line 295  Software</a> for a description of how &l Line 345  Software</a> for a description of how &l
345  relate to each other.  relate to each other.
346  </p>  </p>
347    
348  <h4>Rules about packaging and distribution details</h4>  <h4 id="packaging">Rules about packaging and distribution details</h4>
349    
350  <p>  <p>
351  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable,  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable,
# Line 330  sort of requirement is acceptable only i Line 380  sort of requirement is acceptable only i
380  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
381  alias for the modified version.</p>  alias for the modified version.</p>
382    
383  <h4>Export regulations</h4>  <h4 id="exportcontrol">Export regulations</h4>
384    
385  <p>  <p>
386  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a>  Sometimes government export control regulations
387  and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of  and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of
388  programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to  programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to
389  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
# Line 354  export law could make the requirement no Line 404  export law could make the requirement no
404  software nonfree.  software nonfree.
405  </p>  </p>
406    
407  <h4>Legal considerations</h4>  <h4 id="legal-details">Legal considerations</h4>
408    
409  <p>  <p>
410  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
# Line 367  cause, the software is not free. Line 417  cause, the software is not free.
417  <p>  <p>
418  A free license may not require compliance with the license of a  A free license may not require compliance with the license of a
419  nonfree program.  Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to  nonfree program.  Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to
420  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
421  the case of a user that runs nonfree programs this would require  the case of a user that runs nonfree programs this would require
422  compliance with the licenses of those nonfree programs; that makes the  compliance with the licenses of those nonfree programs; that makes the
423  license nonfree.  license nonfree.
# Line 378  It is acceptable for a free license to s Line 428  It is acceptable for a free license to s
428  law applies, or where litigation must be done, or both.  law applies, or where litigation must be done, or both.
429  </p>  </p>
430    
431  <h4>Contract-based licenses</h4>  <h4 id="contracts">Contract-based licenses</h4>
432    
433  <p>  <p>
434  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
# Line 399  legitimate, we will have to think about Line 449  legitimate, we will have to think about
449  it is nonfree.  it is nonfree.
450  </p>  </p>
451    
452  <h4>Use the right words when talking about free software</h4>  <h3 id="in-practice">The Free Software Definition in Practice</h3>
   
 <p>  
 When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms  
 like &ldquo;give away&rdquo; or &ldquo;for free,&rdquo; because those terms imply that  
 the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such  
 as &ldquo;piracy&rdquo; 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  
 &ldquo;free software&rdquo;</a> into various languages.  
 </p>  
453    
454  <h4>How we interpret these criteria</h4>  <h4 id="interpretation">How we interpret these criteria</h4>
455    
456  <p>  <p>
457  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
458  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide
459  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
460  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
# Line 428  a conclusion about a new issue, we often Line 467  a conclusion about a new issue, we often
467  it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify.  it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify.
468  </p>  </p>
469    
470  <h4>Get help with free licenses</h4>  <h4 id="get-help">Get help with free licenses</h4>
471    
472  <p>  <p>
473  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
# Line 452  help you can ensure that the license rea Line 491  help you can ensure that the license rea
491  and avoid various practical problems.  and avoid various practical problems.
492  </p>  </p>
493    
494    <h4 id="terminology">Use the right words when talking about free software</h4>
495    
496    <p>
497    When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
498    like &ldquo;give away&rdquo; or &ldquo;for free,&rdquo; because those terms imply that
499    the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
500    as &ldquo;piracy&rdquo; embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
501    <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
502    are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
503    a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
504    &ldquo;free software&rdquo;</a> into various languages.
505    </p>
506    
507    <p id="open-source">
508    Another group uses the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean
509    something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software.&rdquo;  We
510    prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that
511    it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
512    word &ldquo;open&rdquo; never refers to freedom.
513    </p>
514    
515  <h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3>  <h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3>
516    
517  <p>  <p>
# Line 462  manuals are in effect part of the softwa Line 522  manuals are in effect part of the softwa
522    
523  <p>  <p>
524  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
525  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,  practical use&mdash;that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
526  such as educational works and reference  such as educational works and reference
527  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known  works.  <a href="https://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known
528  example.  example.
529  </p>  </p>
530    
# Line 474  has been extended to a definition of <a Line 534  has been extended to a definition of <a
534  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
535  </p>  </p>
536    
 <h3 id="open-source">Open Source?</h3>  
   
 <p>  
 Another group uses the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean  
 something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software&rdquo;.  We  
 prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that  
 it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The  
 word &ldquo;open&rdquo; <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">  
 never refers to freedom</a>.  
 </p>  
 </div>  
   
537  <h3 id="History">History</h3>  <h3 id="History">History</h3>
538    
539  <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
# Line 494  was changed.</p> Line 542  was changed.</p>
542    
543  <ul>  <ul>
544    
545  <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
546  1.169</a>: Explain why more clearly why the four freedoms must apply  1.169</a>: Explain more clearly why the four freedoms must apply
547  to commercial activity.  Explain why the four freedoms imply the  to commercial activity.  Explain why the four freedoms imply the
548  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
549  is no need to state those as separate requirements.</li>  is no need to state those as separate requirements.</li>
550    
551  <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
552  1.165</a>: Clarify that arbitrary annoyances in the code do not  1.165</a>: Clarify that arbitrary annoyances in the code do not
553  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>
554    
555  <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
556  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
557  you from making it run.</li>  you from making it run.</li>
558    
559  <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
560  1.141</a>: Clarify which code needs to be free.</li>  1.141</a>: Clarify which code needs to be free.</li>
561    
562  <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
563  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
564  as you wish.</li>  as you wish.</li>
565    
566  <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
567  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>
568    
569  <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
570  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
571  of another program.</li>  of another program.</li>
572    
573  <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
574  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
575  specifications are allowed.  (This was always our policy.)</li>  specifications are allowed.  (This was always our policy.)</li>
576    
577  <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
578  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
579  requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential problem.</li>  requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential problem.</li>
580    
581  <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
582  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,
583  not on what modifications you have made.  And modifications are not limited  not on what modifications you have made.  And modifications are not limited
584  to &ldquo;improvements&rdquo;</li>  to &ldquo;improvements&rdquo;</li>
585    
586  <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
587  1.111</a>: Clarify 1.77 by saying that only  1.111</a>: Clarify 1.77 by saying that only
588  retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable.  The copyright  retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable.  The copyright
589  holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the  holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the
590  work by releasing the work in another way in parallel.</li>  work by releasing the work in another way in parallel.</li>
591    
592  <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
593  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
594  (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
595  version for your computing.</li>  version for your computing.</li>
596    
597  <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
598  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>
599    
600  <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
601  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
602  of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate  of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate
603  in someone else's development project.</li>  in someone else's development project.</li>
604    
605  <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
606  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
607  free software.</li>  free software.</li>
608    
609  <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
610  1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;  1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
611  i.e., no tivoization.</li>  i.e., no tivoization.</li>
612    
613  <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
614  1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are  1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are
615  unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete  unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
616  replacement.</li>  replacement.</li>
617    
618  <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
619  1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated  1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
620  in some places but not reflected everywhere:  in some places but not reflected everywhere:
621  <ul>  <ul>
622  <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can  <li>&ldquo;Improvements&rdquo; does not mean the license can
623  substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.  substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
624  Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>  Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
625  <li>The right to merge in existing modules  <li>The right to merge in existing modules
# Line 581  refers to those that are suitably licens Line 629  refers to those that are suitably licens
629  </ul>  </ul>
630  </li>  </li>
631    
632  <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
633  1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>  1.57</a>: Add &ldquo;Beyond Software&rdquo; section.</li>
634    
635  <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
636  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
637  the program for any purpose.</li>  the program for any purpose.</li>
638    
639  <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
640  1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>  1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
641    
642  <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
643  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
644  available free software to create your modifications.</li>  available free software to create your modifications.</li>
645    
646  <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
647  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
648  provide source for versions of the software you put into public  provide source for versions of the software you put into public
649  use.</li>  use.</li>
650    
651  <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
652  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
653  identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor  identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
654  clarifications throughout the text.</li>  clarifications throughout the text.</li>
655    
656  <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
657  1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based  1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
658  licenses.</li>  licenses.</li>
659    
660  <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
661  1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>  1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
662    
663  <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
664  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
665  versions you distribute to previous developers on request.</li>  versions you distribute to previous developers on request.</li>
666    
# Line 623  other changes in this page that do not a Line 671  other changes in this page that do not a
671  interpretations.  For instance, the list does not include changes in  interpretations.  For instance, the list does not include changes in
672  asides, formatting, spelling, punctuation, or other parts of the page.  asides, formatting, spelling, punctuation, or other parts of the page.
673  You can review the complete list of changes to the page through  You can review the complete list of changes to the page through
674  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
675  interface</a>.</p>  interface</a>.</p>
676    <div class="column-limit"></div>
677    
678  <h3 style="font-size:1em">Footnote</h3>  <h3 class="footnote">Footnote</h3>
679  <ol>  <ol>
680  <li id="f1">The reason they are numbered 0, 1, 2 and 3 is historical. Around  <li id="f1">The reason they are numbered 0, 1, 2 and 3 is historical. Around
681  1990 there were three freedoms, numbered 1, 2 and 3. Then we realized that  1990 there were three freedoms, numbered 1, 2 and 3. Then we realized that
# Line 634  the freedom to run the program needed to Line 683  the freedom to run the program needed to
683  It was clearly more basic than the other three, so it properly should  It was clearly more basic than the other three, so it properly should
684  precede them. Rather than renumber the others, we made it freedom&nbsp;0.</li>  precede them. Rather than renumber the others, we made it freedom&nbsp;0.</li>
685  </ol>  </ol>
686    </div>
687    
688  </div><!-- for id="content", starts in the include above -->  </div><!-- for id="content", starts in the include above -->
689  <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->  <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
690  <div id="footer">  <div id="footer" role="contentinfo">
691  <div class="unprintable">  <div class="unprintable">
692    
693  <p>Please send general FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to  <p>Please send general FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
# Line 655  to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">& Line 705  to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">&
705          to <a href="mailto:web-translators@gnu.org">          to <a href="mailto:web-translators@gnu.org">
706          &lt;web-translators@gnu.org&gt;</a>.</p>          &lt;web-translators@gnu.org&gt;</a>.</p>
707    
708          <p>For information on coordinating and submitting translations of          <p>For information on coordinating and contributing translations of
709          our web pages, see <a          our web pages, see <a
710          href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations          href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
711          README</a>. -->          README</a>. -->
712  Please see the <a  Please see the <a
713  href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations  href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
714  README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting translations  README</a> for information on coordinating and contributing translations
715  of this article.</p>  of this article.</p>
716  </div>  </div>
717    
# Line 682  of this article.</p> Line 732  of this article.</p>
732       There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers       There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers
733       Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. -->       Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. -->
734    
735  <p>Copyright &copy; 1996, 2002, 2004-2007, 2009-2019  <p>Copyright &copy; 1996-2002, 2004-2019, 2021
736  Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p>  Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p>
737    
738  <p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"  <p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"
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