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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 means that the
31    program's users have the four essential freedoms:
32    </p>
33    
34    <ul>
35      <li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>
36      <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make
37          it do what you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a
38          precondition for this.
39      </li>
40      <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
41        (freedom 2).        (freedom 2).
42    <LI>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements    </li>
43       to the public, so that the whole community benefits    <li>The freedom to 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>  <p>
96  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of
97  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
98  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give  run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours &mdash;
99  cause, the software is not free.  a practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or (through
100    blacklisting) as &ldquo;secure boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 becomes a
101    theoretical fiction rather than a practical freedom.  This is not
102    sufficient.  In other words, these binaries are not free software
103    even if the source code they are compiled from is free.
104    </p>
105    
106    <p>
107    One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
108    subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
109    cannot merge in a suitably-licensed existing module, such as if it
110    requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add, then the
111    license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
112    </p>
113    
114    <p>
115    In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
116    irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the
117    software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively change
118    its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give cause, the
119    software is not free.
120    </p>
121    
122  <P>  <p>
123  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
124  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
125  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that
126  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny
127  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with
128  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.
129    </p>
130    
131  <P>  <p>
132  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
133  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got  program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
134  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the  and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software
135  software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>.  is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
136  <P>  You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have
137    obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got your copies,
138  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program  you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to
139  must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and  <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
140  commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software is  </p>
141  no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.  
142    <p>
143  <P>  Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
144  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  If your modifications are limited, in substance, to changes that
145  don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions.  someone else considers an improvement, that is not freedom.
146  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must  </p>
147  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the  
148  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of  <p>
149  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
150  license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version  don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified versions, or
151  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
152    you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in
153  <P>  that way also</q> can be acceptable too, on the same condition.  (Note that
154  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
155  ``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  at all.)  Rules that require release of source code to the users for
156  <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">  versions that you put into public use are also acceptable.  It is also
157  non-copylefted free software</A> also exists.  We believe there are  acceptable for the license to require that, if you have distributed a
158  important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is  modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you
159  better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free  must send one, or that you identify yourself on your modifications.
160  software, we can still use it.  </p>
161    
162  <P>  <p>
163  See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software  In the GNU project, we use
164         (18k characters)</A>  <q><a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a></q>
165  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But
166  other categories of software relate to each other.  <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted
167    free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are important reasons why
168  <P>  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use copyleft</a>,
169  Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control  but if your program is non-copylefted free software, it is still basically
170  regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to  ethical.
171  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do  </p>
172  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but  
173  what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of  <p>
174  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect  See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a>
175  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.  for a description of how <q>free software,</q> <q>copylefted software</q>
176    and other categories of software relate to each other.
177  <P>  </p>
178  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are  
179  limits on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  <p>
180  If a copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a>
181  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
182  anticipated (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some  programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to
183  free software licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
184  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
185  are many possible ways such a license could be unacceptably  way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
186  restrictive and non-free.  jurisdictions of these governments.  Thus, free software licenses
187  <P>  must not require obedience to any export regulations as a condition of
188  We can't possibly list all the possible contract restrictions that  any of the essential freedoms.
189  would be unacceptable.  If a contract-based license restricts the user  </p>
190  in an unusual way that copyright-based licenses cannot, and which  
191  isn't mentioned here as legitimate, we will have to think about it,  <p>
192  and we will probably decide it is non-free.  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
193  <P>  on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  If a
194  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like  copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it
195  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the  is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated
196  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as  (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software
197  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See <A  licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
198  HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases  range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways
199  that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms.  such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and non-free.
200  We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations  </p>
201  of "free software"</A> into various languages.  
202    <p>
203  <P>  We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen.  If a
204    contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
205    copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
206    legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
207    it is non-free.
208    </p>
209    
210    <p>
211    When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
212    like <q>give away</q> or <q>for free,</q> because those terms imply that
213    the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
214    as <q>piracy</q> embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
215    <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
216    are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
217    a list of <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
218    <q>free software</q></a> into various languages.
219    </p>
220    
221    <p>
222  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
223  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide
224  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
225  software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine  we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their
226  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
227  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we  restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue
228  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license  in these criteria.  Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue
229  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought,  that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer,
230  including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the  before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable.  When we reach
231  requirement is acceptable.  When we reach a conclusion about a new  a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make
232  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.
233  certain licenses do or don't qualify.  </p>
234    
235  <P>  <p>
236    If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free
237  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a  software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list
238  free software license, see our <A  of licenses</a>.  If the license you are concerned with is not
239  HREF="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</A>.  If the  listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at
240  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>.
241  about it by sending us email at <A  </p>
242  HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</A>.  
243    <p>
244  <HR>  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the FSF
245    by writing to that address. The proliferation of different free software
246  <H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4>  licenses means increased work for users in understanding the licenses;
247    we may be able to help you find an existing Free Software license that
248  <P>  meets your needs.
249  Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean  </p>
250  something close (but not identical) to "free software".  We prefer the  
251  term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom  <p>
252  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
253  to mind freedom</A>.  help you can ensure that the license really is a Free Software license
254    and avoid various practical problems.
255  <HR>  </p>
256  [  
257  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  <h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2>
258  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
259  <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A>  <p>
260  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Czech</A>  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
261  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Danish</A>  for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the
262  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  manuals are in effect part of the software.
263  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  </p>
264  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  
265  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A>  <p>
266  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">German</A>  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
267  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A>  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
268  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A>  such as educational works and reference
269  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best known
270  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  example.
271  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  </p>
272  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  
273  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  <p>
274  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software
275  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A>  has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
276  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
277  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A>        </p>
278  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  
279  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  <h2 id="open-source">Open Source?</h2>
280  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  
281  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  <p>
282  ]  Another group has started using the term <q>open source</q> to mean
283  <P>  something close (but not identical) to <q>free software.</q>  We
284  Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>.  prefer the term <q>free software</q> because, once you have heard that
285  <P>  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
286    word <q>open</q> <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
287  Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries &amp; questions to  never refers to freedom</a>.
288    </p>
289  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  
290  There are also <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to  <h2 id="History">History</h2>
291  contact</A> the FSF.  
292  <P>  <p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition to
293    clarify it.  Here we provide a list of those modifications, along with
294  Please send comments on these web pages to  links to illustrate exactly what changed, so that others can review
295    them if they like.</p>
296  <A HREF="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@gnu.org</EM></A>,  
297  send other questions to  <ul>
298  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  
299  <P>  <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
300  Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, Free  1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
301  Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  i.e., no tivoization.</li>
302  02111,  USA  
303  <P>  <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
304  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are
305  permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.  unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
306  <P>  replacement.</li>
307    
308    <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
309    1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
310    in some places but not reflected everywhere:
311    <ul>
312    <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can
313    substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
314    Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
315    <li>The right to merge in existing modules
316    refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
317    <li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
318    <li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
319    </ul>
320    </li>
321    
322    <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
323    1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>
324    
325    <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
326    1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
327    the program for any purpose.</li>
328    
329    <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
330    1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
331    
332    <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
333    1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other
334    available free software to create your modifications.</li>
335    
336    <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
337    1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
338    provide source for versions of the software you put into public
339    use.</li>
340    
341    <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
342    1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
343    identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
344    clarifications throughout the text.</li>
345    
346    <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
347    1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
348    licenses.</li>
349    
350    <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
351    1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
352    
353    <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
354    1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of
355    versions you distribute to the author.</li>
356    
357    </ul>
358    
359    <p>There are gaps in the version numbers because there are many other
360    changes that do not affect the substance of the definition at all.
361    Instead, they fix links, add translations, and so on.  If you would
362    like to review the complete list of changes, you can do so on
363    our <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
364    interface</a>.</p>
365    
366    </div>
367    
368    <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
369    
370    <div id="footer">
371    
372    <p>
373    Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
374    <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org">&lt;gnu@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
375    There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
376    the FSF.
377    <br />
378    Please send broken links and other corrections or suggestions to
379    <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">&lt;webmasters@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
380    </p>
381    
382    <p>
383    Please see the
384    <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
385    README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting
386    translations of this article.
387    </p>
388    
389    <p>
390    Copyright &copy; 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
391    2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
392    </p>
393    <p>Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is
394    permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is
395    preserved.
396    </p>
397    
398    <p>
399  Updated:  Updated:
400  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
401  $Date$ $Author$  $Date$
402  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
403  <HR>  </p>
404  </BODY>  </div>
405  </HTML>  
406    <div id="translations">
407    <h4>Translations of this page</h4>
408    
409    <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical, and in the original -->
410    <!-- language if possible, otherwise default to English -->
411    <!-- If you do not have it English, please comment what the -->
412    <!-- English is.  If you add a new language here, please -->
413    <!-- advise web-translators@gnu.org and add it to -->
414    <!--    - in /home/www/bin/nightly-vars either TAGSLANG or WEBLANG -->
415    <!--    - in /home/www/html/server/standards/README.translations.html -->
416    <!--      one of the lists under the section "Translations Underway" -->
417    <!--    - if there is a translation team, you also have to add an alias -->
418    <!--      to mail.gnu.org:/com/mailer/aliases -->
419    <!-- Please also check you have the 2 letter language code right versus -->
420    <!--     http://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/IG/ert/iso639.htm -->
421    <ul class="translations-list">
422    <!-- Afrikaans -->
423    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.af.html">Afrikaans</a>&nbsp;[af]</li>
424    <!-- Arabic -->
425    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ar.html">&#1575;&#1604;&#1593;&#1585;&#1576;&#1610;&#1577;</a>&nbsp;[ar]</li>
426    <!-- Azerbaijani -->
427    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.az.html">Az&#x0259;rbaycanca</a>&nbsp;[az]</li>
428    <!-- Bulgarian -->
429    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bg.html">&#x431;&#x44A;&#x43B;&#x433;&#x430;&#x440;&#x441;&#x43A;&#x438;</a>&nbsp;[bg]</li>
430    <!-- Bengali -->
431    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bn.html">&#2476;&#2494;&#2434;&#2482;&#2494;</a>&nbsp;[bn]</li>
432    <!-- Bosnian -->
433    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bs.html">bosanski</a>&nbsp;[bs]</li>
434    <!-- Catalan -->
435    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ca.html">catal&#x00e0;</a>&nbsp;[ca]</li>
436    <!-- Czech -->
437    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">&#x010c;esky</a>&nbsp;[cs]</li>
438    <!-- Danish -->
439    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">dansk</a>&nbsp;[da]</li>
440    <!-- German -->
441    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">Deutsch</a>&nbsp;[de]</li>
442    <!-- Greek -->
443    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.el.html">&#x03b5;&#x03bb;&#x03bb;&#x03b7;&#x03bd;&#x03b9;&#x03ba;&#x03ac;</a>&nbsp;[el]</li>
444    <!-- English -->
445    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</a>&nbsp;[en]</li>
446    <!-- Esperanto -->
447    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.eo.html">Esperanto</a>&nbsp;[eo]</li>
448    <!-- Spanish -->
449    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">espa&#x00f1;ol</a>&nbsp;[es]</li>
450    <!-- Farsi (Persian) -->
451    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fa.html">&#x0641;&#x0627;&#x0631;&#x0633;&#x06cc;</a>&nbsp;[fa]</li>
452    <!-- French -->
453    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">fran&#x00e7;ais</a>&nbsp;[fr]</li>
454    <!-- Galician -->
455    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">galego</a>&nbsp;[gl]</li>
456    <!-- Hebrew -->
457    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">&#x05e2;&#x05d1;&#x05e8;&#x05d9;&#x05ea;</a>&nbsp;[he]</li>
458    <!-- Croatian -->
459    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">hrvatski</a>&nbsp;[hr]</li>
460    <!-- Hungarian -->
461    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">magyar</a>&nbsp;[hu]</li>
462    <!-- Indonesian -->
463    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a>&nbsp;[id]</li>
464    <!-- Italian -->
465    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">italiano</a>&nbsp;[it]</li>
466    <!-- Japanese -->
467    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">&#x65e5;&#x672c;&#x8a9e;</a>&nbsp;[ja]</li>
468    <!-- Korean -->
469    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">&#xd55c;&#xad6d;&#xc5b4;</a>&nbsp;[ko]</li>
470    <!-- Norwegian Bokmål -->
471    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nb.html">norsk (bokm&aring;l)</a>&nbsp;[nb]</li>
472    <!-- Dutch -->
473    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a>&nbsp;[nl]</li>
474    <!-- Polish -->
475    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">polski</a>&nbsp;[pl]</li>
476    <!-- Brazilian Portuguese -->
477    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt-br.html">portugu&#x0ea;s do Brasil</a>&nbsp;[pt-br]</li>
478    <!-- Romanian -->
479    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">rom&#x00e2;n&#x0103;</a>&nbsp;[ro]</li>
480    <!-- Russian -->
481    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">&#x0440;&#x0443;&#x0441;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;&#x0439;</a>&nbsp;[ru]</li>
482    <!-- Slovak -->
483    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sk.html">sloven&#269;ina</a>&nbsp;[sk]</li>
484    <!--- Slovenian -->
485    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">sloven&scaron;&#269;ina</a>&nbsp;[sl]</li>
486    <!-- Serbian -->
487    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sr.html">&#x0441;&#x0440;&#x043f;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;</a>&nbsp;[sr]</li>
488    <!-- Swedish -->
489    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">svenska</a>&nbsp;[sv]</li>
490    <!-- Tamil -->
491    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ta.html">&#2980;&#2990;&#3007;&#2996;&#3021;</a>&nbsp;[ta]</li>
492    <!-- Tagalog -->
493    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tl.html">Tagalog</a>&nbsp;[tl]</li>
494    <!-- Turkish -->
495    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">T&#x00fc;rk&#x00e7;e</a>&nbsp;[tr]</li>
496    <!-- Chinese (Simplified) -->
497    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-cn.html">&#x7b80;&#x4f53;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-cn]</li>
498    <!-- Chinese (Traditional) -->
499    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-tw.html">&#x7e41;&#x9ad4;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-tw]</li>
500    </ul>
501    </div>
502    
503    </div>
504    
505    </body>
506    </html>
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