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2  <HTML>  
3  <HEAD>  <title>What is free software? - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</title>
4  <TITLE>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</TITLE>  
5  <LINK REV="made" HREF="mailto:webmasters@www.gnu.org">  <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  </HEAD>  <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  <BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#000000" LINK="#1F00FF" ALINK="#FF0000" VLINK="#9900DD">  <link rel="alternate" title="What's New" href="http://www.gnu.org/rss/whatsnew.rss" type="application/rss+xml" />
8  <H3>The Free Software Definition</H3>  <link rel="alternate" title="New Free Software" href="http://www.gnu.org/rss/quagga.rss" type="application/rss+xml" />
9    
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11     ALT=" [image of a Philosophical Gnu] "  <!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" -->
12     WIDTH="160" HEIGHT="200"></A>  
13    <h2>What is free software?</h2>
14  [  
15  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  <h3>The Free Software Definition</h3>
16  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
17  <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A>  <blockquote>
18  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Czech</A>  <p>
19  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Danish</A>  The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a
20  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  particular software program qualifies as free software.  From time to
21  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions
22  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  about subtle issues.  See the <a href="#History">History section</a>
23  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A>  below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free
24  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">German</A>  software.
25  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A>  </p>
26  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A>  </blockquote>
27  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  
28  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  <p>
29  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; means software that respects users'
30  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  freedom and community.  Roughly, <b>the users have the freedom to run,
31  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software</b>.  With these
32  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control the
33  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A>  program and what it does for them.
34  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  </p>
35  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A>  
36  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  <p>
37  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">Swedish</A>    When users don't control the program, the program controls the users.
38  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  The developer controls the program, and through it controls the users.
39  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  This nonfree or &ldquo;proprietary&rdquo; program is therefore an
40  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  instrument of unjust power.
41  ]  </p>
42  <P>  
43    <p>
44  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be  Thus, &ldquo;free software&rdquo; is a matter of liberty, not price.
45  true about a particular software program for it to be considered  To understand the concept, you should think of &ldquo;free&rdquo; as
46  free software.  in &ldquo;free speech,&rdquo; not as in &ldquo;free beer&rdquo;.
47    </p>
48  <P>  
49    <p>
50  ``Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand the  A program is free software if the program's users have the
51  concept, you should think of ``free'' as in ``free speech,'' not as in  four essential freedoms:
52  ``free beer.''  </p>
53  <P>  
54  Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy,  <ul>
55  distribute, study, change and improve the software.  More precisely,    <li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>
56  it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:    <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it
57  <P>        does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source
58          code is a precondition for this.
59  <UL>    </li>
60    <LI>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).    <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
   <LI>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs  
       (freedom 1).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.  
   <LI>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor  
61        (freedom 2).        (freedom 2).
62    <LI>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements    </li>
63       to the public, so that the whole community benefits    <li>The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions
64        (freedom 3).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        to others (freedom 3).  By doing this you can give the whole
65  </UL>        community a chance to benefit from your changes.
66          Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
67  <P>    </li>
68  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.  </ul>
69  Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or  
70  without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for  <p>
71  distribution, to <A HREF="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</A>.  Being  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.  Thus,
72  free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not  you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without
73  have to ask or pay for permission.  modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to
74    <a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>.  Being free to do these
75    things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay
76    for permission to do so.
77    </p>
78    
79  <P>  <p>
80  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them
81  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they
82  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
83  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.
84    </p>
85    
86  <P>  <p>
87  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
88  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
89  of overall job, and without being required to communicate subsequently  overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it
90  with the developer or any other specific entity.  with the developer or any other specific entity.  In this freedom, it is
91    the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>
92    purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes,
93    and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it
94    for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her.
95    </p>
96    
97  <P>  <p>
98  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable
99  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
100  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary
101  necessary for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is  for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is OK if there
102  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
103  certain program (since some languages don't support that feature), but  (since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the
104  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
105  or develop a way to make them.  make them.
106    </p>
107  <P>  
108  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved  <p>
109  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
110  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary  freedom to publish the changed versions) to be meaningful, you must have
111  condition for free software.  access to the source code of the program.  Therefore, accessibility of
112    source code is a necessary condition for free software.  Obfuscated
113  <P>  &ldquo;source code&rdquo; is not real source code and does not count
114  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  as source code.
115  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  </p>
116  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give  
117    <p>
118    Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of
119    the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
120    run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours &mdash; a
121    practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or &ldquo;lockdown&rdquo;,
122    or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as &ldquo;secure
123    boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 becomes a theoretical fiction rather
124    than a practical freedom.  This is not sufficient.  In other words,
125    these binaries are not free software even if the source code they are
126    compiled from is free.
127    </p>
128    
129    <p>
130    One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
131    subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
132    cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module &mdash; for instance, if it
133    requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add &mdash; then the
134    license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
135    </p>
136    
137    <p>
138    Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions
139    as free software.  A free license may also permit other ways of
140    releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be
141    a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license.  However, a
142    license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify
143    as a free license.
144    </p>
145    
146    <p>
147    In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
148    irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the
149    software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add
150    restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give
151  cause, the software is not free.  cause, the software is not free.
152    </p>
153    
154  <P>  <p>
155  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
156  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
157  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that
158  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny
159  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with
160  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.
161    </p>
162    
163  <P>  <p>
164  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
165  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got  program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
166  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the  and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software
167  software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>.  is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
168  <P>  You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have
169    obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got your copies,
170  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program  you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to
171  must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and  <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
172  commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software is  </p>
173  no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.  
174    <p>
175  <P>  Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
176  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that
177  don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions.  someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free.
178  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must  </p>
179  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the  
180  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of  <p>
181  whether to publish the program or not.)  It is also acceptable for the  However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable,
182  license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version  if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified
183  and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you must send one.  versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately.
184    Thus, it is acceptable for the license to require that you change the
185  <P>  name of the modified version, remove a logo, or identify your
186  In the GNU project, we use <A HREF="/copyleft/copyleft.html">  modifications as yours.  As long as these requirements are not so
187  ``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  burdensome that they effectively hamper you from releasing your
188  <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">  changes, they are acceptable; you're already making other changes to
189  non-copylefted free software</A> also exists.  We believe there are  the program, so you won't have trouble making a few more.
190  important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is  </p>
191  better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free  
192  software, we can still use it.  <p>
193    Rules that &ldquo;if you make your version available in this way, you
194  <P>  must make it available in that way also&rdquo; can be acceptable too,
195  See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software  on the same condition.  An example of such an acceptable rule is one
196         (18k characters)</A>  saying that if you have distributed a
197  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and  modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you
198  other categories of software relate to each other.  must send one.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of
199    whether to distribute your version at all.)  Rules that require release
200  <P>  of source code to the users for versions that you put into public use
201  Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control  are also acceptable.
202  regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to  </p>
203  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do  
204  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but  <p>
205  what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of  A special issue arises when a license requires changing the name by
206  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect  which the program will be invoked from other programs.  That
207  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.  effectively hampers you from releasing your changed version so that it
208    can replace the original when invoked by those other programs.  This
209  <P>  sort of requirement is acceptable only if there's a suitable aliasing
210  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are  facility that allows you to specify the original program's name as an
211  limits on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  alias for the modified version.</p>
212  If a copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described  
213  above, it is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never  <p>
214  anticipated (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some  In the GNU project, we use
215  free software licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can  <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a>
216  impose a much larger range of possible restrictions.  That means there  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But
217  are many possible ways such a license could be unacceptably  <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">noncopylefted
218  restrictive and non-free.  free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are important reasons why
219  <P>  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use copyleft</a>,
220  We can't possibly list all the possible contract restrictions that  but if your program is noncopylefted free software, it is still basically
221  would be unacceptable.  If a contract-based license restricts the user  ethical. (See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a> for a description of how &ldquo;free software,&rdquo; &ldquo;copylefted software&rdquo; and other categories of software relate to each other.)
222  in an unusual way that copyright-based licenses cannot, and which  </p>
223  isn't mentioned here as legitimate, we will have to think about it,  
224  and we will probably decide it is non-free.  <p>
225  <P>  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a>
226  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like  and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of
227  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the  programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to
228  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
229  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See <A  is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program.  In this
230  HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases  way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
231  that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms.  jurisdictions of these governments.  Thus, free software licenses
232  We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations  must not require obedience to any nontrivial export regulations as a
233  of "free software"</A> into various languages.  condition of exercising any of the essential freedoms.
234    </p>
235  <P>  
236    <p>
237    Merely mentioning the existence of export regulations, without making
238    them a condition of the license itself, is acceptable since it does
239    not restrict users.  If an export regulation is actually trivial for
240    free software, then requiring it as a condition is not an actual
241    problem; however, it is a potential problem, since a later change in
242    export law could make the requirement nontrivial and thus render the
243    software nonfree.
244    </p>
245    
246    <p>
247    Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
248    on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  If a
249    copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it
250    is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated
251    (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software
252    licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
253    range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways
254    such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and nonfree.
255    </p>
256    
257    <p>
258    We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen.  If a
259    contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
260    copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
261    legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
262    it is nonfree.
263    </p>
264    
265    <p>
266    When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
267    like &ldquo;give away&rdquo; or &ldquo;for free,&rdquo; because those terms imply that
268    the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
269    as &ldquo;piracy&rdquo; embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
270    <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
271    are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
272    a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
273    &ldquo;free software&rdquo;</a> into various languages.
274    </p>
275    
276    <p>
277  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
278  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide
279  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
280  software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine  we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their
281  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
282  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we  restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue
283  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license  in these criteria.  Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue
284  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought,  that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer,
285  including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the  before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable.  When we reach
286  requirement is acceptable.  When we reach a conclusion about a new  a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make
287  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.
288  certain licenses do or don't qualify.  </p>
289    
290  <P>  <p>
291    If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free
292  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a  software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list
293  free software license, see our <A  of licenses</a>.  If the license you are concerned with is not
294  HREF="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</A>.  If the  listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at
295  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>.
296  about it by sending us email at <A  </p>
297  HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</A>.  
298    <p>
299  <HR>  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the
300    Free Software Foundation first by writing to that address. The
301  <H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4>  proliferation of different free software licenses means increased work
302    for users in understanding the licenses; we may be able to help you
303  <P>  find an existing free software license that meets your needs.
304  Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean  </p>
305  something close (but not identical) to "free software".  We prefer the  
306  term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom  <p>
307  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
308  to mind freedom</A>.  help you can ensure that the license really is a free software license
309    and avoid various practical problems.
310  <HR>  </p>
311  [  
312  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  <h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3>
313  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
314  <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A>  <p>
315  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Czech</A>  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
316  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Danish</A>  for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the
317  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  manuals are in effect part of the software.
318  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  </p>
319  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  
320  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A>  <p>
321  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">German</A>  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
322  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A>  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
323  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A>  such as educational works and reference
324  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known
325  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  example.
326  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  </p>
327  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  
328  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  <p>
329  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software
330  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A>  has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
331  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
332  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A>        </p>
333  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  
334  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  <h3 id="open-source">Open Source?</h3>
335  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  
336  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  <p>
337  ]  Another group has started using the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean
338  <P>  something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software&rdquo;.  We
339  Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>.  prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that
340  <P>  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
341    word &ldquo;open&rdquo; <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
342  Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries &amp; questions to  never refers to freedom</a>.
343    </p>
344  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  
345  There are also <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to  <h3 id="History">History</h3>
346  contact</A> the FSF.  
347  <P>  <p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition.  Here is
348    the list of substantive changes, along with links to show exactly what
349  Please send comments on these web pages to  was changed.</p>
350    
351  <A HREF="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@gnu.org</EM></A>,  <ul>
352  send other questions to  
353  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  <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
354  <P>  1.122</a>: An export control requirement is a real problem if the
355  Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, Free  requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential problem.</li>
356  Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  
357  02111,  USA  <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
358  <P>  1.111</a>: Clarify 1.77 by saying that only
359  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable.  The copyright
360  permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.  holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the
361  <P>  work by releasing the work in another way in parallel.</li>
362  Updated:  
363    <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
364    1.105</a>: Reflect, in the brief statement of freedom 1, the point
365    (already stated in version 1.80) that it includes really using your modified
366    version for your computing.</li>
367    
368    <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
369    1.92</a>: Clarify that obfuscated code does not qualify as source code.</li>
370    
371    <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
372    1.90</a>: Clarify that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies
373    of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate
374    in someone else's development project.</li>
375    
376    <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
377    1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as
378    free software.</li>
379    
380    <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
381    1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
382    i.e., no tivoization.</li>
383    
384    <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
385    1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are
386    unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
387    replacement.</li>
388    
389    <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
390    1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
391    in some places but not reflected everywhere:
392    <ul>
393    <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can
394    substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
395    Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
396    <li>The right to merge in existing modules
397    refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
398    <li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
399    <li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
400    </ul>
401    </li>
402    
403    <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
404    1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>
405    
406    <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
407    1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
408    the program for any purpose.</li>
409    
410    <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
411    1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
412    
413    <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
414    1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other
415    available free software to create your modifications.</li>
416    
417    <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
418    1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
419    provide source for versions of the software you put into public
420    use.</li>
421    
422    <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
423    1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
424    identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
425    clarifications throughout the text.</li>
426    
427    <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
428    1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
429    licenses.</li>
430    
431    <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
432    1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
433    
434    <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
435    1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of
436    versions you distribute to the author.</li>
437    
438    </ul>
439    
440    <p>There are gaps in the version numbers shown above because there are
441    other changes in this page that do not affect the definition as such.
442    These changes are in other parts of the page.  You can review the
443    complete list of changes to the page through
444    the <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
445    interface</a>.</p>
446    
447    </div>
448    
449    <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
450    
451    <div id="footer">
452    
453    <p>
454    Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
455    <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org">&lt;gnu@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
456    There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
457    the FSF.
458    <br />
459    Please send broken links and other corrections or suggestions to
460    <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">&lt;webmasters@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
461    </p>
462    
463    <p>
464    Please see the
465    <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
466    README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting
467    translations of this article.
468    </p>
469    
470    <p>
471    Copyright &copy; 1996-2002, 2004-2007, 2009, 2010, 2012 Free Software
472    Foundation, Inc.
473    </p>
474    <p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"
475    href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/us/">Creative
476    Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License</a>.
477    </p>
478    
479    <!--#include virtual="/server/bottom-notes.html" -->
480    
481    <p>Updated:
482  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
483  $Date$ $Author$  $Date$
484  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
485  <HR>  </p>
486  </BODY>  </div>
487  </HTML>  
488    
489    </div>
490    
491    </body>
492    </html>
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