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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>  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; 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 &ldquo;free&rdquo; as in &ldquo;free speech,&rdquo;
25    <LI>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs  not as in &ldquo;free beer.&rdquo;
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 distribute copies of your modified versions
44        (freedom 3).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        to others (freedom 3).  By doing this you can give the whole
45  </UL>        community a chance to benefit from your changes.
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 to do so.
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 the 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.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary
81  necessary for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is  for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is OK if there
82  ok if there is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a  is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program
83  certain program (since some languages don't support that feature), but  (since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the
84  you must have the freedom to redistribute such forms should you find  freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to
85  or develop a way to make them.  make them.
86    </p>
87  <P>  
88  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved  <p>
89  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of  In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the
90  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary  freedom to publish improved versions) to be meaningful, you must have
91  condition for free software.  access to the source code of the program.  Therefore, accessibility of
92    source code is a necessary condition for free software.
93  <P>  </p>
94  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  
95  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  <p>
96  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give  Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of
97  cause, the software is not free.  the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
98    run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours &mdash;
99    a practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or (through
100    blacklisting) as &ldquo;secure boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 becomes a
101    theoretical fiction rather than a practical freedom.  This is not
102    sufficient.  In other words, these binaries are not free software
103    even if the source code they are compiled from is free.
104    </p>
105    
106    <p>
107    One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
108    subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
109    cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module &mdash; for instance, if it
110    requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add &mdash; then the
111    license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
112    </p>
113    
114    <p>
115    Freedom 3 includes the freedom to use release your modified versions
116    as free software.  A free license may also permit other ways of
117    releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be
118    a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license.  However, a
119    license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify
120    as a free license.
121    </p>
122    
123    <p>
124    In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
125    irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the
126    software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively change
127    its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give cause, the
128    software is not free.
129    </p>
130    
131  <P>  <p>
132  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
133  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
134  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that
135  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny
136  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with
137  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.
138    </p>
139    
140  <P>  <p>
141  Thus, you may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; does not mean &ldquo;noncommercial.&rdquo;  A free
142  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got  program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
143  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the  and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software
144  software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>.  is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
145  <P>  You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have
146    obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got your copies,
147  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program  you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to
148  must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and  <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
149  commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software is  </p>
150  no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.  
151    <p>
152  <P>  Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
153  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  If your modifications are limited, in substance, to changes that
154  don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions.  someone else considers an improvement, that is not freedom.
155  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must  </p>
156  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the  
157  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of  <p>
158  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
159  license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version  don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified versions, or
160  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 &ldquo;if
161    you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in
162  <P>  that way also&rdquo; can be acceptable too, on the same condition.  (Note that
163  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
164  ``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  at all.)  Rules that require release of source code to the users for
165  <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">  versions that you put into public use are also acceptable.  It is also
166  non-copylefted free software</A> also exists.  We believe there are  acceptable for the license to require that you identify
167  important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is  your modifications as yours, or that, if you have distributed a modified
168  better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free  version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you must send
169  software, we can still use it.  one.
170    </p>
171  <P>  
172  See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software  <p>
173         (18k characters)</A>  In the GNU project, we use
174  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and  &ldquo;<a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a>&rdquo;
175  other categories of software relate to each other.  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But
176    <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted
177  <P>  free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are important reasons why
178  Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use copyleft</a>,
179  regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to  but if your program is non-copylefted free software, it is still basically
180  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do  ethical.
181  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but  </p>
182  what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of  
183  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect  <p>
184  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.  See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a>
185    for a description of how &ldquo;free software,&rdquo; &ldquo;copylefted software&rdquo;
186  <P>  and other categories of software relate to each other.
187  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like  </p>
188  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the  
189  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as  <p>
190  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See <A  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a>
191  HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases  and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of
192  that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms.  programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to
193  We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
194  of "free software"</A> into various languages.  is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program.  In this
195    way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
196  <P>  jurisdictions of these governments.  Thus, free software licenses
197    must not require obedience to any export regulations as a condition of
198    any of the essential freedoms.
199    </p>
200    
201    <p>
202    Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
203    on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  If a
204    copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it
205    is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated
206    (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software
207    licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
208    range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways
209    such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and nonfree.
210    </p>
211    
212    <p>
213    We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen.  If a
214    contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
215    copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
216    legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
217    it is nonfree.
218    </p>
219    
220    <p>
221    When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
222    like &ldquo;give away&rdquo; or &ldquo;for free,&rdquo; because those terms imply that
223    the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
224    as &ldquo;piracy&rdquo; embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
225    <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
226    are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
227    a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
228    &ldquo;free software&rdquo;</a> into various languages.
229    </p>
230    
231    <p>
232  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
233  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide
234  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
235  software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine  we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their
236  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
237  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we  restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue
238  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license  in these criteria.  Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue
239  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought,  that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer,
240  including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the  before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable.  When we reach
241  requirement is acceptable.  When we reach a conclusion about a new  a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make
242  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.
243  certain licenses do or don't qualify.  </p>
244    
245  <P>  <p>
246    If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free
247  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a  software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list
248  free software license, see our <A  of licenses</a>.  If the license you are concerned with is not
249  HREF="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</A>.  If the  listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at
250  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>.
251  about it by sending us email at <A  </p>
252  HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</A>.  
253    <p>
254  <HR>  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the
255    Free Software Foundation first by writing to that address. The
256  <H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4>  proliferation of different free software licenses means increased work
257    for users in understanding the licenses; we may be able to help you
258  <P>  find an existing free software license that meets your needs.
259  Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean  </p>
260  something close (but not identical) to "free software".  We prefer the  
261  term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom  <p>
262  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
263  to mind freedom</A>.  help you can ensure that the license really is a free software license
264    and avoid various practical problems.
265  <HR>  </p>
266  [  
267  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  <h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2>
268  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
269  <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A>  <p>
270  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Czech</A>  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
271  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Danish</A>  for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the
272  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  manuals are in effect part of the software.
273  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  </p>
274  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  
275  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A>  <p>
276  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">German</A>  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
277  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A>  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
278  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A>  such as educational works and reference
279  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best known
280  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  example.
281  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  </p>
282  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  
283  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  <p>
284  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software
285  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A>  has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
286  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
287  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A>        </p>
288  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  
289  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  <h2 id="open-source">Open Source?</h2>
290  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  
291  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  <p>
292  ]  Another group has started using the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean
293  <P>  something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software.&rdquo;  We
294  Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>.  prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that
295  <P>  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
296    word &ldquo;open&rdquo; <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
297  Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries &amp; questions to  never refers to freedom</a>.
298    </p>
299  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  
300  There are also <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to  <h2 id="History">History</h2>
301  contact</A> the FSF.  
302  <P>  <p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition to
303    clarify it.  Here we provide a list of those modifications, along with
304  Please send comments on these web pages to  links to illustrate exactly what changed, so that others can review
305    them if they like.</p>
306  <A HREF="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@gnu.org</EM></A>,  
307  send other questions to  <ul>
308  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  
309  <P>  <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
310  Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.,  1.90</a>: Clarify that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies
311  59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111,  USA  of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate
312  <P>  in someone else's development project.</li>
313  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  
314  permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.  <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
315  <P>  1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as
316    free software.</li>
317    
318    <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
319    1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
320    i.e., no tivoization.</li>
321    
322    <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
323    1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are
324    unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
325    replacement.</li>
326    
327    <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
328    1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
329    in some places but not reflected everywhere:
330    <ul>
331    <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can
332    substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
333    Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
334    <li>The right to merge in existing modules
335    refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
336    <li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
337    <li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
338    </ul>
339    </li>
340    
341    <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
342    1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>
343    
344    <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
345    1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
346    the program for any purpose.</li>
347    
348    <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
349    1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
350    
351    <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
352    1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other
353    available free software to create your modifications.</li>
354    
355    <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
356    1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
357    provide source for versions of the software you put into public
358    use.</li>
359    
360    <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
361    1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
362    identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
363    clarifications throughout the text.</li>
364    
365    <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
366    1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
367    licenses.</li>
368    
369    <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
370    1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
371    
372    <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
373    1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of
374    versions you distribute to the author.</li>
375    
376    </ul>
377    
378    <p>There are gaps in the version numbers because there are many other
379    changes that do not affect the substance of the definition at all.
380    Instead, they fix links, add translations, and so on.  If you would
381    like to review the complete list of changes, you can do so on
382    our <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
383    interface</a>.</p>
384    
385    </div>
386    
387    <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
388    
389    <div id="footer">
390    
391    <p>
392    Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
393    <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org">&lt;gnu@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
394    There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
395    the FSF.
396    <br />
397    Please send broken links and other corrections or suggestions to
398    <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">&lt;webmasters@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
399    </p>
400    
401    <p>
402    Please see the
403    <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
404    README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting
405    translations of this article.
406    </p>
407    
408    <p>
409    Copyright &copy; 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
410    2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
411    </p>
412    <p>Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is
413    permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is
414    preserved.
415    </p>
416    
417    <p>
418  Updated:  Updated:
419  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
420  $Date$ $Author$  $Date$
421  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
422  <HR>  </p>
423  </BODY>  </div>
424  </HTML>  
425    <div id="translations">
426    <h4>Translations of this page</h4>
427    
428    <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical, and in the original -->
429    <!-- language if possible, otherwise default to English -->
430    <!-- If you do not have it English, please comment what the -->
431    <!-- English is.  If you add a new language here, please -->
432    <!-- advise web-translators@gnu.org and add it to -->
433    <!--    - in /home/www/bin/nightly-vars either TAGSLANG or WEBLANG -->
434    <!--    - in /home/www/html/server/standards/README.translations.html -->
435    <!--      one of the lists under the section "Translations Underway" -->
436    <!--    - if there is a translation team, you also have to add an alias -->
437    <!--      to mail.gnu.org:/com/mailer/aliases -->
438    <!-- Please also check you have the 2 letter language code right versus -->
439    <!--     http://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/IG/ert/iso639.htm -->
440    <ul class="translations-list">
441    <!-- Afrikaans -->
442    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.af.html">Afrikaans</a>&nbsp;[af]</li>
443    <!-- Arabic -->
444    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ar.html">&#1575;&#1604;&#1593;&#1585;&#1576;&#1610;&#1577;</a>&nbsp;[ar]</li>
445    <!-- Azerbaijani -->
446    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.az.html">Az&#x0259;rbaycanca</a>&nbsp;[az]</li>
447    <!-- Bulgarian -->
448    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bg.html">&#x431;&#x44A;&#x43B;&#x433;&#x430;&#x440;&#x441;&#x43A;&#x438;</a>&nbsp;[bg]</li>
449    <!-- Bengali -->
450    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bn.html">&#2476;&#2494;&#2434;&#2482;&#2494;</a>&nbsp;[bn]</li>
451    <!-- Bosnian -->
452    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bs.html">bosanski</a>&nbsp;[bs]</li>
453    <!-- Catalan -->
454    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ca.html">catal&#x00e0;</a>&nbsp;[ca]</li>
455    <!-- Czech -->
456    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">&#x010c;esky</a>&nbsp;[cs]</li>
457    <!-- Danish -->
458    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">dansk</a>&nbsp;[da]</li>
459    <!-- German -->
460    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">Deutsch</a>&nbsp;[de]</li>
461    <!-- Greek -->
462    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.el.html">&#x03b5;&#x03bb;&#x03bb;&#x03b7;&#x03bd;&#x03b9;&#x03ba;&#x03ac;</a>&nbsp;[el]</li>
463    <!-- English -->
464    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</a>&nbsp;[en]</li>
465    <!-- Esperanto -->
466    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.eo.html">Esperanto</a>&nbsp;[eo]</li>
467    <!-- Spanish -->
468    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">espa&#x00f1;ol</a>&nbsp;[es]</li>
469    <!-- Farsi (Persian) -->
470    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fa.html">&#x0641;&#x0627;&#x0631;&#x0633;&#x06cc;</a>&nbsp;[fa]</li>
471    <!-- French -->
472    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">fran&#x00e7;ais</a>&nbsp;[fr]</li>
473    <!-- Galician -->
474    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">galego</a>&nbsp;[gl]</li>
475    <!-- Hebrew -->
476    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">&#x05e2;&#x05d1;&#x05e8;&#x05d9;&#x05ea;</a>&nbsp;[he]</li>
477    <!-- Croatian -->
478    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">hrvatski</a>&nbsp;[hr]</li>
479    <!-- Hungarian -->
480    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">magyar</a>&nbsp;[hu]</li>
481    <!-- Indonesian -->
482    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a>&nbsp;[id]</li>
483    <!-- Italian -->
484    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">italiano</a>&nbsp;[it]</li>
485    <!-- Japanese -->
486    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">&#x65e5;&#x672c;&#x8a9e;</a>&nbsp;[ja]</li>
487    <!-- Korean -->
488    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">&#xd55c;&#xad6d;&#xc5b4;</a>&nbsp;[ko]</li>
489    <!-- Norwegian Bokmål -->
490    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nb.html">norsk (bokm&aring;l)</a>&nbsp;[nb]</li>
491    <!-- Dutch -->
492    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a>&nbsp;[nl]</li>
493    <!-- Polish -->
494    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">polski</a>&nbsp;[pl]</li>
495    <!-- Brazilian Portuguese -->
496    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt-br.html">portugu&#x0ea;s do Brasil</a>&nbsp;[pt-br]</li>
497    <!-- Romanian -->
498    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">rom&#x00e2;n&#x0103;</a>&nbsp;[ro]</li>
499    <!-- Russian -->
500    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">&#x0440;&#x0443;&#x0441;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;&#x0439;</a>&nbsp;[ru]</li>
501    <!-- Slovak -->
502    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sk.html">sloven&#269;ina</a>&nbsp;[sk]</li>
503    <!--- Slovenian -->
504    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">sloven&scaron;&#269;ina</a>&nbsp;[sl]</li>
505    <!-- Serbian -->
506    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sr.html">&#x0441;&#x0440;&#x043f;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;</a>&nbsp;[sr]</li>
507    <!-- Swedish -->
508    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">svenska</a>&nbsp;[sv]</li>
509    <!-- Tamil -->
510    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ta.html">&#2980;&#2990;&#3007;&#2996;&#3021;</a>&nbsp;[ta]</li>
511    <!-- Tagalog -->
512    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tl.html">Tagalog</a>&nbsp;[tl]</li>
513    <!-- Turkish -->
514    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">T&#x00fc;rk&#x00e7;e</a>&nbsp;[tr]</li>
515    <!-- Chinese (Simplified) -->
516    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-cn.html">&#x7b80;&#x4f53;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-cn]</li>
517    <!-- Chinese (Traditional) -->
518    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-tw.html">&#x7e41;&#x9ad4;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-tw]</li>
519    </ul>
520    </div>
521    
522    </div>
523    
524    </body>
525    </html>
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