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3  <HEAD>  <title>What is free software?
4  <TITLE>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</TITLE>  - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title>
5  <LINK REV="made" HREF="mailto:webmasters@www.gnu.org">  
6  </HEAD>  <meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" />
7  <BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#000000" LINK="#1F00FF" ALINK="#FF0000" VLINK="#9900DD">  <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." />
8  <H3>The Free Software Definition</H3>  
9    <!--#include virtual="/philosophy/po/free-sw.translist" -->
10  <A HREF="/graphics/philosophicalgnu.html"><IMG SRC="/graphics/philosophical-gnu-sm.jpg"  <!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" -->
11     ALT=" [image of a Philosophical Gnu] "  
12     WIDTH="160" HEIGHT="200"></A>  <h2>What is free software?</h2>
13    
14  [  <h3>The Free Software Definition</h3>
15  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  
16  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  <!--#include virtual="/licenses/fsf-licensing.html" -->
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, it means that <b>the users have the
31  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the
32  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  software</b>.  Thus, &ldquo;free software&rdquo; is a matter of
33  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A>  liberty, not price.  To understand the concept, you should think of
34  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  &ldquo;free&rdquo; as in &ldquo;free speech,&rdquo; not as in
35  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A>  &ldquo;free beer&rdquo;.  We sometimes call it &ldquo;libre
36  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  software,&rdquo; borrowing the French or Spanish word for
37  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">Swedish</A>    &ldquo;free&rdquo; as in freedom, to show we do not mean the software
38  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  is gratis.
39  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  </p>
40  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
41  ]  <p>
42  <P>  We campaign for these freedoms because everyone deserves them.  With
43    these freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control
44  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be  the program and what it does for them.  When users don't control the
45  true about a particular software program for it to be considered  program, we call it a &ldquo;nonfree&rdquo; or
46  free software.  &ldquo;proprietary&rdquo; program.  The nonfree program controls the
47    users, and the developer controls the program; this makes the
48  <P>  program <a href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">
49    an instrument of unjust power</a>.
50  ``Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand the  </p>
51  concept, you should think of ``free'' as in ``free speech,'' not as in  
52  ``free beer.''  <h4> The four essential freedoms</h4>
53  <P>  
54  Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy,  <p>
55  distribute, study, change and improve the software.  More precisely,  A program is free software if the program's users have the
56  it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:  four essential freedoms:
57  <P>  </p>
58    
59  <UL>  <ul>
60    <LI>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).    <li>The freedom to run the program as you wish,
61    <LI>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs        for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>
62        (freedom 1).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.    <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it
63    <LI>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor        does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source
64          code is a precondition for this.
65      </li>
66      <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
67        (freedom 2).        (freedom 2).
68    <LI>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements    </li>
69       to the public, so that the whole community benefits    <li>The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions
70        (freedom 3).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        to others (freedom 3).  By doing this you can give the whole
71  </UL>        community a chance to benefit from your changes.
72          Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
73  <P>    </li>
74  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.  </ul>
75  Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or  
76  without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for  <p>
77  distribution, to <A HREF="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</A>.  Being  A program is free software if it gives users adequately all of these
78  free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not  freedoms.  Otherwise, it is nonfree.  While we can distinguish various
79  have to ask or pay for permission.  nonfree distribution schemes in terms of how far they fall short of
80    being free, we consider them all equally unethical.</p>
81    
82    <p>In any given scenario, these freedoms must apply to whatever code
83    we plan to make use of, or lead others to make use of.  For instance,
84    consider a program A which automatically launches a program B to
85    handle some cases.  If we plan to distribute A as it stands, that
86    implies users will need B, so we need to judge whether both A and B
87    are free.  However, if we plan to modify A so that it doesn't use B,
88    only A needs to be free; B is not pertinent to that plan.</p>
89    
90    <p>
91    &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; does not mean &ldquo;noncommercial&rdquo;.  A free
92    program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
93    and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software
94    is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
95    You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have
96    obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got your copies,
97    you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to
98    <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
99    </p>
100    
101    <p>The rest of this page clarifies certain points about what makes
102    specific freedoms adequate or not.</p>
103    
104    <h4>The freedom to run the program as you wish</h4>
105    
106    <p>
107    The freedom to run the program means the freedom for any kind of person
108    or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind of
109    overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it
110    with the developer or any other specific entity.  In this freedom, it is
111    the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>
112    purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes,
113    and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it
114    for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her.
115    </p>
116    
117    <p>
118    The freedom to run the program as you wish means that you are not
119    forbidden or stopped from doing so.  It has nothing to do with what
120    functionality the program has, or whether it is useful for what you
121    want to do.</p>
122    
123    <h4>The freedom to study the source code and make changes</h4>
124    
125    <p>
126    In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the
127    freedom to publish the changed versions) to be meaningful, you must have
128    access to the source code of the program.  Therefore, accessibility of
129    source code is a necessary condition for free software.  Obfuscated
130    &ldquo;source code&rdquo; is not real source code and does not count
131    as source code.
132    </p>
133    
134    <p>
135    Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of
136    the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
137    run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours &mdash; a
138    practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or &ldquo;lockdown&rdquo;,
139    or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as &ldquo;secure
140    boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 becomes an empty pretense rather than a
141    practical reality.  These binaries are not free
142    software even if the source code they are compiled from is free.
143    </p>
144    
145    <p>
146    One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
147    subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
148    cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module &mdash; for instance, if it
149    requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add &mdash; then the
150    license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
151    </p>
152    
153    <p>
154    Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
155    If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that
156    someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free.
157    </p>
158    
159    <h4>The freedom to redistribute if you wish: basic requirements</h4>
160    
161    <p>Freedom to distribute (freedoms 2 and 3) means you are free to
162    redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either
163    gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to
164    <a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>.  Being free to do these
165    things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay
166    for permission to do so.
167    </p>
168    
169  <P>  <p>
170  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them
171  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they
172  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
173  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.
174    </p>
175    
176  <P>  <p>
177  The freedom to use a program means the freedom for any kind of person  Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions
178  or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind  as free software.  A free license may also permit other ways of
179  of overall job, and without being required to communicate subsequently  releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be
180  with the developer or any other specific entity.  a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license.  However, a
181    license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify
182    as a free license.
183    </p>
184    
185  <P>  <p>
186  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable
187  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
188  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary
189  necessary for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is  for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is OK if there
190  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
191  certain program (since some languages don't support that feature), but  (since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the
192  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
193  or develop a way to make them.  make them.
194    </p>
195  <P>  
196  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved  <h4>Copyleft</h4>
 versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of  
 the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary  
 condition for free software.  
   
 <P>  
 In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  
 long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  
 power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give  
 cause, the software is not free.  
197    
198  <P>  <p>
199  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  Certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
200  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
201  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that  freedoms.  For example, <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a>
202  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny  (very simply stated) is the rule that when redistributing the program,
203  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with  you cannot add restrictions to deny other people the central freedoms.
204  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.  This rule does not conflict with the central freedoms; rather it
205    protects them.
206  <P>  </p>
207  Thus, you may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you  
208  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got  <p>
209  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the  In the GNU project, we use copyleft to protect the four freedoms
210  software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>.  legally for everyone.  We believe there are important reasons why
211  <P>  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use
212    copyleft</a>.  However,
213  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program  <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">
214  must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and  noncopylefted free software</a> is ethical
215  commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software is  too.  See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free
216  no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.  Software</a> for a description of how &ldquo;free software,&rdquo;
217    &ldquo;copylefted software&rdquo; and other categories of software
218  <P>  relate to each other.
219  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  </p>
220  don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions.  
221  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must  <h4>Rules about packaging and distribution details</h4>
222  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the  
223  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of  <p>
224  whether to publish the program or not.)  It is also acceptable for the  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable,
225  license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version  if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified
226  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.
227    Thus, it is acceptable for the license to require that you change the
228  <P>  name of the modified version, remove a logo, or identify your
229  In the GNU project, we use <A HREF="/copyleft/copyleft.html">  modifications as yours.  As long as these requirements are not so
230  ``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  burdensome that they effectively hamper you from releasing your
231  <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">  changes, they are acceptable; you're already making other changes to
232  non-copylefted free software</A> also exists.  We believe there are  the program, so you won't have trouble making a few more.
233  important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is  </p>
234  better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free  
235  software, we can still use it.  <p>
236    Rules that &ldquo;if you make your version available in this way, you
237  <P>  must make it available in that way also&rdquo; can be acceptable too,
238  See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software  on the same condition.  An example of such an acceptable rule is one
239         (18k characters)</A>  saying that if you have distributed a
240  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and  modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you
241  other categories of software relate to each other.  must send one.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of
242    whether to distribute your version at all.)  Rules that require release
243  <P>  of source code to the users for versions that you put into public use
244  Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control  are also acceptable.
245  regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to  </p>
246  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do  
247  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but  <p>
248  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
249  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect  which the program will be invoked from other programs.  That
250  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.  effectively hampers you from releasing your changed version so that it
251    can replace the original when invoked by those other programs.  This
252  <P>  sort of requirement is acceptable only if there's a suitable aliasing
253  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are  facility that allows you to specify the original program's name as an
254  limits on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  alias for the modified version.</p>
255  If a copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described  
256  above, it is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never  <h4>Export regulations</h4>
257  anticipated (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some  
258  free software licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can  <p>
259  impose a much larger range of possible restrictions.  That means there  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a>
260  are many possible ways such a license could be unacceptably  and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of
261  restrictive and non-free.  programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to
262  <P>  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
263  We can't possibly list all the possible contract restrictions that  is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program.  In this
264  would be unacceptable.  If a contract-based license restricts the user  way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
265  in an unusual way that copyright-based licenses cannot, and which  jurisdictions of these governments.  Thus, free software licenses
266  isn't mentioned here as legitimate, we will have to think about it,  must not require obedience to any nontrivial export regulations as a
267  and we will probably decide it is non-free.  condition of exercising any of the essential freedoms.
268  <P>  </p>
269  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like  
270  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the  <p>
271  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as  Merely mentioning the existence of export regulations, without making
272  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See <A  them a condition of the license itself, is acceptable since it does
273  HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases  not restrict users.  If an export regulation is actually trivial for
274  that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms.  free software, then requiring it as a condition is not an actual
275  We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations  problem; however, it is a potential problem, since a later change in
276  of "free software"</A> into various languages.  export law could make the requirement nontrivial and thus render the
277    software nonfree.
278    </p>
279    
280    <h4>Legal considerations</h4>
281    
282    <p>
283    In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
284    irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the
285    software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add
286    restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give
287    cause, the software is not free.
288    </p>
289    
290    <p>
291    A free license may not require compliance with the license of a
292    nonfree program.  Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to
293    comply with the licenses of &ldquo;all the programs you use&rdquo;, in
294    the case of a user that runs nonfree programs this would require
295    compliance with the licenses of those nonfree programs; that makes the
296    license nonfree.
297    </p>
298    
299    <p>
300    It is acceptable for a free license to specify which jurisdiction's
301    law applies, or where litigation must be done, or both.
302    </p>
303    
304    <h4>Contract-based licenses</h4>
305    
306    <p>
307    Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
308    on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  If a
309    copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it
310    is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated
311    (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software
312    licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
313    range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways
314    such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and nonfree.
315    </p>
316    
317    <p>
318    We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen.  If a
319    contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
320    copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
321    legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
322    it is nonfree.
323    </p>
324    
325    <h4>Use the right words when talking about free software</h4>
326    
327    <p>
328    When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
329    like &ldquo;give away&rdquo; or &ldquo;for free,&rdquo; because those terms imply that
330    the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
331    as &ldquo;piracy&rdquo; embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
332    <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
333    are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
334    a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
335    &ldquo;free software&rdquo;</a> into various languages.
336    </p>
337    
338  <P>  <h4>How we interpret these criteria</h4>
339    
340    <p>
341  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
342  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide
343  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
344  software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine  we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their
345  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
346  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we  restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue
347  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license  in these criteria.  Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue
348  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought,  that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer,
349  including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the  before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable.  When we reach
350  requirement is acceptable.  When we reach a conclusion about a new  a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make
351  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.
352  certain licenses do or don't qualify.  </p>
353    
354  <P>  <h4>Get help with free licenses</h4>
355    
356  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a  <p>
357  free software license, see our <A  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free
358  HREF="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</A>.  If the  software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list
359  license you are concerned with is not listed there, you can ask us  of licenses</a>.  If the license you are concerned with is not
360  about it by sending us email at <A  listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at
361  HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</A>.  <a href="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
362    </p>
363  <HR>  
364    <p>
365  <H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4>  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the
366    Free Software Foundation first by writing to that address. The
367  <P>  proliferation of different free software licenses means increased work
368  Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean  for users in understanding the licenses; we may be able to help you
369  something close (but not identical) to "free software".  We prefer the  find an existing free software license that meets your needs.
370  term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom  </p>
371  rather than price, <A HREF="free-software-for-freedom.html">it calls  
372  to mind freedom</A>.  <p>
373    If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our
374  <HR>  help you can ensure that the license really is a free software license
375  [  and avoid various practical problems.
376  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  </p>
377  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
378  <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A>  <h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3>
379  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Czech</A>  
380  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Danish</A>  <p>
381  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
382  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the
383  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  manuals are in effect part of the software.
384  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A>  </p>
385  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">German</A>  
386  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A>  <p>
387  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A>  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
388  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
389  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  such as educational works and reference
390  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known
391  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  example.
392  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  </p>
393  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  
394  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A>  <p>
395  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software
396  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A>        has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
397  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
398  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  </p>
399  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  
400  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  <h3 id="open-source">Open Source?</h3>
401  ]  
402  <P>  <p>
403  Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>.  Another group uses the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean
404  <P>  something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software&rdquo;.  We
405    prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that
406  Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries &amp; questions to  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
407    word &ldquo;open&rdquo; <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
408  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  never refers to freedom</a>.
409  There are also <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to  </p>
410  contact</A> the FSF.  
411  <P>  <h3 id="History">History</h3>
412    
413  Please send comments on these web pages to  <p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition.  Here is
414    the list of substantive changes, along with links to show exactly what
415  <A HREF="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@gnu.org</EM></A>,  was changed.</p>
416  send other questions to  
417  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  <ul>
418  <P>  
419  Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, Free  <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
420  Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  1.141</a>: Clarify which code needs to be free.</li>
421  02111,  USA  
422  <P>  <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
423  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  1.135</a>: Say each time that freedom 0 is the freedom to run the program
424  permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.  as you wish.</li>
425  <P>  
426  Updated:  <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
427    1.134</a>: Freedom 0 is not a matter of the program's functionality.</li>
428    
429    <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
430    1.131</a>: A free license may not require compliance with a nonfree license
431    of another program.</li>
432    
433    <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
434    1.129</a>: State explicitly that choice of law and choice of forum
435    specifications are allowed.  (This was always our policy.)</li>
436    
437    <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
438    1.122</a>: An export control requirement is a real problem if the
439    requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential problem.</li>
440    
441    <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
442    1.118</a>: Clarification: the issue is limits on your right to modify,
443    not on what modifications you have made.  And modifications are not limited
444    to &ldquo;improvements&rdquo;</li>
445    
446    <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
447    1.111</a>: Clarify 1.77 by saying that only
448    retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable.  The copyright
449    holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the
450    work by releasing the work in another way in parallel.</li>
451    
452    <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
453    1.105</a>: Reflect, in the brief statement of freedom 1, the point
454    (already stated in version 1.80) that it includes really using your modified
455    version for your computing.</li>
456    
457    <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
458    1.92</a>: Clarify that obfuscated code does not qualify as source code.</li>
459    
460    <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
461    1.90</a>: Clarify that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies
462    of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate
463    in someone else's development project.</li>
464    
465    <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
466    1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as
467    free software.</li>
468    
469    <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
470    1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
471    i.e., no tivoization.</li>
472    
473    <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
474    1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are
475    unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
476    replacement.</li>
477    
478    <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
479    1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
480    in some places but not reflected everywhere:
481    <ul>
482    <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can
483    substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
484    Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
485    <li>The right to merge in existing modules
486    refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
487    <li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
488    <li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
489    </ul>
490    </li>
491    
492    <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
493    1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>
494    
495    <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
496    1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
497    the program for any purpose.</li>
498    
499    <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
500    1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
501    
502    <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
503    1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other
504    available free software to create your modifications.</li>
505    
506    <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
507    1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
508    provide source for versions of the software you put into public
509    use.</li>
510    
511    <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
512    1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
513    identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
514    clarifications throughout the text.</li>
515    
516    <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
517    1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
518    licenses.</li>
519    
520    <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
521    1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
522    
523    <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
524    1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of
525    versions you distribute to previous developers on request.</li>
526    
527    </ul>
528    
529    <p>There are gaps in the version numbers shown above because there are
530    other changes in this page that do not affect the definition or its
531    interpretations.  For instance, the list does not include changes in
532    asides, formatting, spelling, punctuation, or other parts of the page.
533    You can review the complete list of changes to the page through
534    the <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
535    interface</a>.</p>
536    
537    
538    </div><!-- for id="content", starts in the include above -->
539    <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
540    <div id="footer">
541    <div class="unprintable">
542    
543    <p>Please send general FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
544    <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org">&lt;gnu@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
545    There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
546    the FSF.  Broken links and other corrections or suggestions can be sent
547    to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">&lt;webmasters@gnu.org&gt;</a>.</p>
548    
549    <p><!-- TRANSLATORS: Ignore the original text in this paragraph,
550            replace it with the translation of these two:
551    
552            We work hard and do our best to provide accurate, good quality
553            translations.  However, we are not exempt from imperfection.
554            Please send your comments and general suggestions in this regard
555            to <a href="mailto:web-translators@gnu.org">
556            &lt;web-translators@gnu.org&gt;</a>.</p>
557    
558            <p>For information on coordinating and submitting translations of
559            our web pages, see <a
560            href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
561            README</a>. -->
562    Please see the <a
563    href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
564    README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting translations
565    of this article.</p>
566    </div>
567    
568    <!-- Regarding copyright, in general, standalone pages (as opposed to
569         files generated as part of manuals) on the GNU web server should
570         be under CC BY-ND 4.0.  Please do NOT change or remove this
571         without talking with the webmasters or licensing team first.
572         Please make sure the copyright date is consistent with the
573         document.  For web pages, it is ok to list just the latest year the
574         document was modified, or published.
575        
576         If you wish to list earlier years, that is ok too.
577         Either "2001, 2002, 2003" or "2001-2003" are ok for specifying
578         years, as long as each year in the range is in fact a copyrightable
579         year, i.e., a year in which the document was published (including
580         being publicly visible on the web or in a revision control system).
581        
582         There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers
583         Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. -->
584    
585    <p>Copyright &copy; 1996, 2002, 2004-2007, 2009-2016
586    Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p>
587    
588    <p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"
589    href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">Creative
590    Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.</p>
591    
592    <!--#include virtual="/server/bottom-notes.html" -->
593    
594    <p class="unprintable">Updated:
595  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
596  $Date$ $Author$  $Date$
597  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
598  <HR>  </p>
599  </BODY>  </div>
600  </HTML>  </div>
601    </body>
602    </html>
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