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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>  <q>Free software</q> 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 <q>free</q> as in <q>free speech,</q>
25    <LI>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs  not as in <q>free beer.</q>
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 refers to
31    four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:
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 adapt it to
37          your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition
38          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 improve the program, and release your improvements
44        (freedom 3).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        (and modified versions in general)
45  </UL>        to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3).
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.
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 a 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    
88  <P>  <p>
89  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved
90  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of
91  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary
92  condition for free software.  condition for free software.
93    </p>
94    
95    <p>
96    One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
97    subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
98    cannot merge in a suitably-licensed existing module, such as if it
99    requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add, then the
100    license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
101    </p>
102    
103  <P>  <p>
104  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as
105  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the
106  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give  power to revoke the license, or replace it with a different license
107  cause, the software is not free.  (since this implies revoking the old license),
108    without your doing anything wrong to give cause, the software is not
109    free.
110    </p>
111    
112  <P>  <p>
113  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
114  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
115  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that
116  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny
117  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with
118  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.
119    </p>
120    
121  <P>  <p>
122  Thus, you may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you  <q>Free software</q> does not mean <q>non-commercial.</q>  A free
123  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got  program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
124  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the  and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software
125  software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>.  is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
126  <P>  You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have
127    obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got your copies,
128  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program  you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to
129  must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and  <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
130  commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software is  </p>
131  no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.  
132    <p>
133  <P>  Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
134  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  If your modifications are limited, in substance, to changes that
135  don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions.  someone else considers an improvement, that is not freedom.
136  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must  </p>
137  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the  
138  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of  <p>
139  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
140  license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version  don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified versions, or
141  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 <q>if
142    you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in
143  <P>  that way also</q> can be acceptable too, on the same condition.  (Note that
144  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
145  ``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  at all.)  Rules that require release of source code to the users for
146  <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">  versions that you put into public use are also acceptable.  It is also
147  non-copylefted free software</A> also exists.  We believe there are  acceptable for the license to require that, if you have distributed a
148  important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is  modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you
149  better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free  must send one, or that you identify yourself on your modifications.
150  software, we can still use it.  </p>
151    
152  <P>  <p>
153  See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software  In the GNU project, we use
154         (18k characters)</A>  <q><a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a></q>
155  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But
156  other categories of software relate to each other.  <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted
157    free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are important reasons why
158  <P>  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is better to use copyleft</a>,
159  Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control  but if your program is non-copylefted free software, it is still basically
160  regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to  ethical.
161  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do  </p>
162  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but  
163  what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of  <p>
164  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect  See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a>
165  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.  for a description of how <q>free software,</q> <q>copylefted software</q>
166    and other categories of software relate to each other.
167  <P>  </p>
168  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are  
169  limits on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  <p>
170  If a copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a>
171  above, it is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never  and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of
172  anticipated (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some  programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to
173  free software licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
174  impose a much larger range of possible restrictions.  That means there  is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program.  In this
175  are many possible ways such a license could be unacceptably  way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
176  restrictive and non-free.  jurisdictions of these governments.  Thus, free software licenses
177  <P>  must not require obedience to any export regulations a condition of
178  We can't possibly list all the possible contract restrictions that  any of the essential freedoms.
179  would be unacceptable.  If a contract-based license restricts the user  </p>
180  in an unusual way that copyright-based licenses cannot, and which  
181  isn't mentioned here as legitimate, we will have to think about it,  <p>
182  and we will probably decide it is non-free.  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
183  <P>  on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  If a
184  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like  copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it
185  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the  is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated
186  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as  (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software
187  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See <A  licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
188  HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases  range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways
189  that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms.  such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and non-free.
190  We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations  </p>
191  of "free software"</A> into various languages.  
192    <p>
193  <P>  We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen.  If a
194    contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
195    copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
196    legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
197    it is non-free.
198    </p>
199    
200    <p>
201    When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
202    like <q>give away</q> or <q>for free,</q> because those terms imply that
203    the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
204    as <q>piracy</q> embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
205    <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
206    are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
207    a list of <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
208    <q>free software</q></a> into various languages.
209    </p>
210    
211    <p>
212  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
213  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide
214  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
215  software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine  we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their
216  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
217  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we  restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue
218  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license  in these criteria.  Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue
219  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought,  that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer,
220  including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the  before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable.  When we reach
221  requirement is acceptable.  When we reach a conclusion about a new  a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make
222  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.
223  certain licenses do or don't qualify.  </p>
224    
225  <P>  <p>
226    If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free
227  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a  software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list
228  free software license, see our <A  of licenses</a>.  If the license you are concerned with is not
229  HREF="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</A>.  If the  listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at
230  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>.
231  about it by sending us email at <A  </p>
232  HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</A>.  
233    <p>
234  <HR>  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the FSF
235    by writing to that address. The proliferation of different free software
236  <H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4>  licenses means increased work for users in understanding the licenses;
237    we may be able to help you find an existing Free Software license that
238  <P>  meets your needs.
239  Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean  </p>
240  something close (but not identical) to "free software".  We prefer the  
241  term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom  <p>
242  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
243  to mind freedom</A>.  help you can ensure that the license really is a Free Software license
244    and avoid various practical problems.
245  <HR>  </p>
246  [  
247  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  <h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2>
248  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
249  <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A>  <p>
250  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Czech</A>  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
251  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Danish</A>  for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the
252  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  manuals are in effect part of the software.
253  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  </p>
254  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  
255  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A>  <p>
256  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">German</A>  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
257  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A>  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
258  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A>  such as educational works and reference
259  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best known
260  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  example.
261  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  </p>
262  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  
263  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  <p>
264  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software
265  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A>  has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
266  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
267  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A>        </p>
268  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  
269  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  <h2 id="open-source">Open Source?</h2>
270  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  
271  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  <p>
272  ]  Another group has started using the term <q>open source</q> to mean
273  <P>  something close (but not identical) to <q>free software.</q>  We
274  Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>.  prefer the term <q>free software</q> because, once you have heard that
275  <P>  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
276    word <q>open</q> <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
277  Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries &amp; questions to  never refers to freedom</a>.
278    </p>
279  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  
280  There are also <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to  <h2 id="History">History</h2>
281  contact</A> the FSF.  
282  <P>  <p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition to
283    clarify it.  Here we provide a list of those modifications, along with
284  Please send comments on these web pages to  links to illustrate exactly what changed, so that others can review
285    them if they like.</p>
286  <A HREF="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@gnu.org</EM></A>,  
287  send other questions to  <ul>
288  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  
289  <P>  <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
290  Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, Free  1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
291  Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  in some places but not reflected everywhere:
292  02111,  USA  <ul>
293  <P>  <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can
294  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
295  permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.  Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
296  <P>  <li>The right to merge in existing modules
297    refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
298    <li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
299    <li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
300    </ul>
301    </li>
302    
303    <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
304    1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>
305    
306    <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
307    1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
308    the program for any purpose.</li>
309    
310    <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
311    1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
312    
313    <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
314    1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other
315    available free software to create your modifications.</li>
316    
317    <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
318    1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
319    provide source for versions of the software you put into public
320    use.</li>
321    
322    <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
323    1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
324    identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
325    clarifications throughout the text.</li>
326    
327    <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
328    1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
329    licenses.</li>
330    
331    <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
332    1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
333    
334    <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
335    1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of
336    versions you distribute to the author.</li>
337    
338    </ul>
339    
340    <p>There are gaps in the version numbers because there are many other
341    changes that do not affect the substance of the definition at all.
342    Instead, they fix links, add translations, and so on.  If you would
343    like to review the complete list of changes, you can do so on
344    our <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
345    interface</a>.</p>
346    
347    </div>
348    
349    <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
350    
351    <div id="footer">
352    
353    <p>
354    Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
355    <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><em>gnu@gnu.org</em></a>.
356    There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
357    the FSF.
358    <br />
359    Please send broken links and other corrections or suggestions to
360    <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><em>webmasters@gnu.org</em></a>.
361    </p>
362    
363    <p>
364    Please see the
365    <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
366    README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting
367    translations of this article.
368    </p>
369    
370    <p>
371    Copyright &copy; 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
372    2005, 2006, 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
373    </p>
374    <address>51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA</address>
375    <p>Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is
376    permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is
377    preserved.
378    </p>
379    
380    <p>
381  Updated:  Updated:
382  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
383  $Date$ $Author$  $Date$
384  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
385  <HR>  </p>
386  </BODY>  </div>
387  </HTML>  
388    <div id="translations">
389    <h4>Translations of this page</h4>
390    
391    <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical, and in the original -->
392    <!-- language if possible, otherwise default to English -->
393    <!-- If you do not have it English, please comment what the -->
394    <!-- English is.  If you add a new language here, please -->
395    <!-- advise web-translators@gnu.org and add it to -->
396    <!--    - in /home/www/bin/nightly-vars either TAGSLANG or WEBLANG -->
397    <!--    - in /home/www/html/server/standards/README.translations.html -->
398    <!--      one of the lists under the section "Translations Underway" -->
399    <!--    - if there is a translation team, you also have to add an alias -->
400    <!--      to mail.gnu.org:/com/mailer/aliases -->
401    <!-- Please also check you have the 2 letter language code right versus -->
402    <!--     http://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/IG/ert/iso639.htm -->
403    <ul class="translations-list">
404    <!-- Afrikaans -->
405    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.af.html">Afrikaans</a>&nbsp;[af]</li>
406    <!-- Arabic -->
407    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ar.html">&#1575;&#1604;&#1593;&#1585;&#1576;&#1610;&#1577;</a>&nbsp;[ar]</li>
408    <!-- Azerbaijani -->
409    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.az.html">Az&#x0259;rbaycanca</a>&nbsp;[az]</li>
410    <!-- Bulgarian -->
411    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bg.html">&#x431;&#x44A;&#x43B;&#x433;&#x430;&#x440;&#x441;&#x43A;&#x438;</a>&nbsp;[bg]</li>
412    <!-- Bengali -->
413    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bn.html">&#2476;&#2494;&#2434;&#2482;&#2494;</a>&nbsp;[bn]</li>
414    <!-- Bosnian -->
415    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bs.html">Bosanski</a>&nbsp;[bs]</li>
416    <!-- Catalan -->
417    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ca.html">Catal&#x00e0;</a>&nbsp;[ca]</li>
418    <!-- Czech -->
419    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">&#x010c;esky</a>&nbsp;[cs]</li>
420    <!-- Danish -->
421    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Dansk</a>&nbsp;[da]</li>
422    <!-- German -->
423    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">Deutsch</a>&nbsp;[de]</li>
424    <!-- Greek -->
425    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.el.html">&#x0395;&#x03bb;&#x03bb;&#x03b7;&#x03bd;&#x03b9;&#x03ba;&#x03ac;</a>&nbsp;[el]</li>
426    <!-- English -->
427    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</a>&nbsp;[en]</li>
428    <!-- Esperanto -->
429    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.eo.html">Esperanto</a>&nbsp;[eo]</li>
430    <!-- Spanish -->
431    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Espa&#x00f1;ol</a>&nbsp;[es]</li>
432    <!-- Farsi (Persian) -->
433    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fa.html">&#x0641;&#x0627;&#x0631;&#x0633;&#x06cc;</a>&nbsp;[fa]</li>
434    <!-- French -->
435    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">Fran&#x00e7;ais</a>&nbsp;[fr]</li>
436    <!-- Galician -->
437    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galego</a>&nbsp;[gl]</li>
438    <!-- Hebrew -->
439    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">&#x05e2;&#x05d1;&#x05e8;&#x05d9;&#x05ea;</a>&nbsp;[he]</li>
440    <!-- Croatian -->
441    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Hrvatski</a>&nbsp;[hr]</li>
442    <!-- Hungarian -->
443    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Magyar</a>&nbsp;[hu]</li>
444    <!-- Indonesian -->
445    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a>&nbsp;[id]</li>
446    <!-- Italian -->
447    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italiano</a>&nbsp;[it]</li>
448    <!-- Japanese -->
449    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">&#x65e5;&#x672c;&#x8a9e;</a>&nbsp;[ja]</li>
450    <!-- Korean -->
451    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">&#xd55c;&#xad6d;&#xc5b4;</a>&nbsp;[ko]</li>
452    <!-- Norwegian Bokmål -->
453    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nb.html">Norsk (Bokm&aring;l)</a>&nbsp;[nb]</li>
454    <!-- Dutch -->
455    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a>&nbsp;[nl]</li>
456    <!-- Polish -->
457    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polski</a>&nbsp;[pl]</li>
458    <!-- Brazilian Portuguese -->
459    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt-br.html">portugu&#x0ea;s do Brasil</a>&nbsp;[pt-br]</li>
460    <!-- Romanian -->
461    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Rom&#x00e2;n&#x0103;</a>&nbsp;[ro]</li>
462    <!-- Russian -->
463    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">&#1056;&#1091;&#1089;&#1089;&#1082;&#1080;&#1081;</a>&nbsp;[ru]</li>
464    <!--- Slovenian -->
465    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovinsko</a>&nbsp;[sl]</li>
466    <!-- Serbian -->
467    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sr.html">&#x0421;&#x0440;&#x043f;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;</a>&nbsp;[sr]</li>
468    <!-- Swedish -->
469    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">Svenska</a>&nbsp;[sv]</li>
470    <!-- Tamil -->
471    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ta.html">&#2980;&#2990;&#3007;&#2996;&#3021;</a>&nbsp;[ta]</li>
472    <!-- Tagalog -->
473    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tl.html">Tagalog</a>&nbsp;[tl]</li>
474    <!-- Turkish -->
475    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">T&#x00fc;rk&#x00e7;e</a>&nbsp;[tr]</li>
476    <!-- Chinese (Simplified) -->
477    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-cn.html">&#x7b80;&#x4f53;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-cn]</li>
478    <!-- Chinese (Traditional) -->
479    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-tw.html">&#x7e41;&#x9ad4;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-tw]</li>
480    </ul>
481    </div>
482    
483    </div>
484    
485    </body>
486    </html>
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