| 1 |
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//IETF//DTD HTML 2.0//EN"> |
<!--#include virtual="/server/header.html" --> |
|
<HTML> |
|
|
<HEAD> |
|
|
<TITLE>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</TITLE> |
|
|
<LINK REV="made" HREF="mailto:webmasters@www.gnu.org"> |
|
|
</HEAD> |
|
|
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#000000" LINK="#1F00FF" ALINK="#FF0000" VLINK="#9900DD"> |
|
|
<H3>The Free Software Definition</H3> |
|
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="/graphics/philosophicalgnu.html"><IMG SRC="/graphics/philosophical-gnu-sm.jpg" |
|
|
ALT=" [image of a Philosophical Gnu] " |
|
|
WIDTH="160" HEIGHT="200"></A> |
|
|
|
|
|
[ |
|
|
<!-- Please keep this list alphabetical --> |
|
|
<!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! --> |
|
|
<A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Czech</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Danish</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">German</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">Swedish</A> |
|
|
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A> |
|
|
<!-- Please keep this list alphabetical --> |
|
|
<!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! --> |
|
|
] |
|
|
<P> |
|
| 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 to do so. |
| 57 |
|
</p> |
| 58 |
|
|
| 59 |
<P> |
<p> |
| 60 |
You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them |
You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them |
| 61 |
privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they |
privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they |
| 62 |
exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to |
exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to |
| 63 |
notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way. |
notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way. |
| 64 |
|
</p> |
| 65 |
|
|
| 66 |
<P> |
<p> |
| 67 |
The freedom to use a program means the freedom for any kind of person |
The freedom to run the program means the freedom for any kind of person |
| 68 |
or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind |
or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind of |
| 69 |
of overall job, and without being required to communicate subsequently |
overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it |
| 70 |
with the developer or any other specific entity. |
with the developer or any other specific entity. In this freedom, it is |
| 71 |
|
the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em> |
| 72 |
|
purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes, |
| 73 |
|
and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it |
| 74 |
|
for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her. |
| 75 |
|
</p> |
| 76 |
|
|
| 77 |
<P> |
<p> |
| 78 |
The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable |
The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable |
| 79 |
forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and |
forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and |
| 80 |
unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is |
unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary |
| 81 |
necessary for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is |
for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is OK if there |
| 82 |
ok if there is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a |
is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program |
| 83 |
certain program (since some languages don't support that feature), but |
(since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the |
| 84 |
you must have the freedom to redistribute such forms should you find |
freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to |
| 85 |
or develop a way to make them. |
make them. |
| 86 |
|
</p> |
| 87 |
<P> |
|
| 88 |
In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved |
<p> |
| 89 |
versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of |
In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the |
| 90 |
the program. Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary |
freedom to publish improved versions) to be meaningful, you must have |
| 91 |
condition for free software. |
access to the source code of the program. Therefore, accessibility of |
| 92 |
|
source code is a necessary condition for free software. |
| 93 |
<P> |
</p> |
| 94 |
In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as |
|
| 95 |
long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the |
<p> |
| 96 |
power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give |
Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of |
| 97 |
cause, the software is not free. |
the original. If the program is delivered in a product designed to |
| 98 |
|
run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours — |
| 99 |
|
a practice known as “tivoization” or (through |
| 100 |
|
blacklisting) as “secure boot” — 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 — for instance, 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 |
|
Freedom 3 includes the freedom to use release your modified versions |
| 116 |
|
as free software. A free license may also permit other ways of |
| 117 |
|
releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be |
| 118 |
|
a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license. However, a |
| 119 |
|
license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify |
| 120 |
|
as a free license. |
| 121 |
|
</p> |
| 122 |
|
|
| 123 |
|
<p> |
| 124 |
|
In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and |
| 125 |
|
irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the |
| 126 |
|
software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively change |
| 127 |
|
its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give cause, the |
| 128 |
|
software is not free. |
| 129 |
|
</p> |
| 130 |
|
|
| 131 |
<P> |
<p> |
| 132 |
However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free |
However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free |
| 133 |
software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central |
software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central |
| 134 |
freedoms. For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that |
freedoms. For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that |
| 135 |
when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny |
when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny |
| 136 |
other people the central freedoms. This rule does not conflict with |
other people the central freedoms. This rule does not conflict with |
| 137 |
the central freedoms; rather it protects them. |
the central freedoms; rather it protects them. |
| 138 |
|
</p> |
| 139 |
|
|
| 140 |
<P> |
<p> |
| 141 |
Thus, you may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you |
<q>Free software</q> does not mean <q>noncommercial.</q> A free |
| 142 |
may have obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got |
program must be available for commercial use, commercial development, |
| 143 |
your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the |
and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software |
| 144 |
software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>. |
is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
| 145 |
<P> |
You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have |
| 146 |
|
obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies, |
| 147 |
``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''. A free program |
you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to |
| 148 |
must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and |
<a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>. |
| 149 |
commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software is |
</p> |
| 150 |
no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
|
| 151 |
|
<p> |
| 152 |
<P> |
Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter. |
| 153 |
Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they |
If your modifications are limited, in substance, to changes that |
| 154 |
don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions. |
someone else considers an improvement, that is not freedom. |
| 155 |
Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must |
</p> |
| 156 |
make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the |
|
| 157 |
same condition. (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of |
<p> |
| 158 |
whether to publish the program or not.) It is also acceptable for the |
However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they |
| 159 |
license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version |
don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified versions, or |
| 160 |
and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you must send one. |
your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. Rules that <q>if |
| 161 |
|
you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in |
| 162 |
<P> |
that way also</q> can be acceptable too, on the same condition. (Note that |
| 163 |
In the GNU project, we use <A HREF="/copyleft/copyleft.html"> |
such a rule still leaves you the choice of whether to publish your version |
| 164 |
``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone. But |
at all.) Rules that require release of source code to the users for |
| 165 |
<A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware"> |
versions that you put into public use are also acceptable. It is also |
| 166 |
non-copylefted free software</A> also exists. We believe there are |
acceptable for the license to require that you identify |
| 167 |
important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is |
your modifications as yours, or that, if you have distributed a modified |
| 168 |
better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free |
version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you must send |
| 169 |
software, we can still use it. |
one. |
| 170 |
|
</p> |
| 171 |
<P> |
|
| 172 |
See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software |
<p> |
| 173 |
(18k characters)</A> |
In the GNU project, we use |
| 174 |
for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and |
<q><a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a></q> |
| 175 |
other categories of software relate to each other. |
to protect these freedoms legally for everyone. But |
| 176 |
|
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted |
| 177 |
<P> |
free software</a> also exists. We believe there are important reasons why |
| 178 |
Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control |
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use copyleft</a>, |
| 179 |
regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to |
but if your program is non-copylefted free software, it is still basically |
| 180 |
distribute copies of programs internationally. Software developers do |
ethical. |
| 181 |
not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but |
</p> |
| 182 |
what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of |
|
| 183 |
use of the program. In this way, the restrictions will not affect |
<p> |
| 184 |
activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments. |
See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a> |
| 185 |
|
for a description of how <q>free software,</q> <q>copylefted software</q> |
| 186 |
<P> |
and other categories of software relate to each other. |
| 187 |
Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are |
</p> |
| 188 |
limits on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright. |
|
| 189 |
If a copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described |
<p> |
| 190 |
above, it is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never |
Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a> |
| 191 |
anticipated (though this does happen occasionally). However, some |
and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of |
| 192 |
free software licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can |
programs internationally. Software developers do not have the power to |
| 193 |
impose a much larger range of possible restrictions. That means there |
eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do |
| 194 |
are many possible ways such a license could be unacceptably |
is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program. In this |
| 195 |
restrictive and non-free. |
way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the |
| 196 |
<P> |
jurisdictions of these governments. Thus, free software licenses |
| 197 |
We can't possibly list all the possible contract restrictions that |
must not require obedience to any export regulations as a condition of |
| 198 |
would be unacceptable. If a contract-based license restricts the user |
any of the essential freedoms. |
| 199 |
in an unusual way that copyright-based licenses cannot, and which |
</p> |
| 200 |
isn't mentioned here as legitimate, we will have to think about it, |
|
| 201 |
and we will probably decide it is non-free. |
<p> |
| 202 |
<P> |
Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits |
| 203 |
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like |
on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright. If a |
| 204 |
``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the |
copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it |
| 205 |
issue is about price, not freedom. Some common terms such as |
is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated |
| 206 |
``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse. See <A |
(though this does happen occasionally). However, some free software |
| 207 |
HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases |
licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger |
| 208 |
that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms. |
range of possible restrictions. That means there are many possible ways |
| 209 |
We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations |
such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and nonfree. |
| 210 |
of "free software"</A> into various languages. |
</p> |
| 211 |
|
|
| 212 |
<P> |
<p> |
| 213 |
|
We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen. If a |
| 214 |
|
contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that |
| 215 |
|
copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as |
| 216 |
|
legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude |
| 217 |
|
it is nonfree. |
| 218 |
|
</p> |
| 219 |
|
|
| 220 |
|
<p> |
| 221 |
|
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms |
| 222 |
|
like <q>give away</q> or <q>for free,</q> because those terms imply that |
| 223 |
|
the issue is about price, not freedom. Some common terms such |
| 224 |
|
as <q>piracy</q> embody opinions we hope you won't endorse. See |
| 225 |
|
<a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that |
| 226 |
|
are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms. We also have |
| 227 |
|
a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of |
| 228 |
|
<q>free software</q></a> into various languages. |
| 229 |
|
</p> |
| 230 |
|
|
| 231 |
|
<p> |
| 232 |
Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software |
Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software |
| 233 |
definition require careful thought for their interpretation. To |
definition require careful thought for their interpretation. To decide |
| 234 |
decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free |
whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license, |
| 235 |
software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine |
we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their |
| 236 |
whether it fits their spirit as well as the precise words. If a |
spirit as well as the precise words. If a license includes unconscionable |
| 237 |
license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we |
restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue |
| 238 |
did not anticipate the issue in these criteria. Sometimes a license |
in these criteria. Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue |
| 239 |
requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought, |
that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer, |
| 240 |
including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the |
before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable. When we reach |
| 241 |
requirement is acceptable. When we reach a conclusion about a new |
a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make |
| 242 |
issue, we often update these criteria to make it easier to see why |
it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify. |
| 243 |
certain licenses do or don't qualify. |
</p> |
| 244 |
|
|
| 245 |
<P> |
<p> |
| 246 |
|
If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free |
| 247 |
If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a |
software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list |
| 248 |
free software license, see our <A |
of licenses</a>. If the license you are concerned with is not |
| 249 |
HREF="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</A>. If the |
listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at |
| 250 |
license you are concerned with is not listed there, you can ask us |
<a href="mailto:licensing@gnu.org"><licensing@gnu.org></a>. |
| 251 |
about it by sending us email at <A |
</p> |
| 252 |
HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org"><licensing@gnu.org></A>. |
|
| 253 |
|
<p> |
| 254 |
<HR> |
If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the |
| 255 |
|
Free Software Foundation first by writing to that address. The |
| 256 |
<H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4> |
proliferation of different free software licenses means increased work |
| 257 |
|
for users in understanding the licenses; we may be able to help you |
| 258 |
<P> |
find an existing free software license that meets your needs. |
| 259 |
Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean |
</p> |
| 260 |
something close (but not identical) to "free software". We prefer the |
|
| 261 |
term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom |
<p> |
| 262 |
rather than price, <A HREF="free-software-for-freedom.html">it calls |
If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our |
| 263 |
to mind freedom</A>. |
help you can ensure that the license really is a free software license |
| 264 |
|
and avoid various practical problems. |
| 265 |
<HR> |
</p> |
| 266 |
[ |
|
| 267 |
<!-- Please keep this list alphabetical --> |
<h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2> |
| 268 |
<!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! --> |
|
| 269 |
<A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A> |
<p> |
| 270 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Czech</A> |
<a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>, |
| 271 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Danish</A> |
for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the |
| 272 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A> |
manuals are in effect part of the software. |
| 273 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A> |
</p> |
| 274 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A> |
|
| 275 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A> |
<p> |
| 276 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">German</A> |
The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of |
| 277 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A> |
practical use — that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge, |
| 278 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A> |
such as educational works and reference |
| 279 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A> |
works. <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best known |
| 280 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A> |
example. |
| 281 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A> |
</p> |
| 282 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A> |
|
| 283 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A> |
<p> |
| 284 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A> |
Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software |
| 285 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Romanian</A> |
has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/"> |
| 286 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A> |
free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works. |
| 287 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovenian</A> |
</p> |
| 288 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A> |
|
| 289 |
| <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A> |
<h2 id="open-source">Open Source?</h2> |
| 290 |
<!-- Please keep this list alphabetical --> |
|
| 291 |
<!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! --> |
<p> |
| 292 |
] |
Another group has started using the term <q>open source</q> to mean |
| 293 |
<P> |
something close (but not identical) to <q>free software.</q> We |
| 294 |
Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>. |
prefer the term <q>free software</q> because, once you have heard that |
| 295 |
<P> |
it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The |
| 296 |
|
word <q>open</q> <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html"> |
| 297 |
Please send FSF & GNU inquiries & questions to |
never refers to freedom</a>. |
| 298 |
|
</p> |
| 299 |
<A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>. |
|
| 300 |
There are also <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to |
<h2 id="History">History</h2> |
| 301 |
contact</A> the FSF. |
|
| 302 |
<P> |
<p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition to |
| 303 |
|
clarify it. Here we provide a list of those modifications, along with |
| 304 |
Please send comments on these web pages to |
links to illustrate exactly what changed, so that others can review |
| 305 |
|
them if they like.</p> |
| 306 |
<A HREF="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@gnu.org</EM></A>, |
|
| 307 |
send other questions to |
<ul> |
| 308 |
<A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>. |
|
| 309 |
<P> |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.88&r2=1.89">Version |
| 310 |
Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, Free |
1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as |
| 311 |
Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA |
free software.</li> |
| 312 |
02111, USA |
|
| 313 |
<P> |
|
| 314 |
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is |
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.79&r2=1.80">Version |
| 315 |
permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved. |
1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical; |
| 316 |
<P> |
i.e., no tivoization.</li> |
| 317 |
|
|
| 318 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.76&r2=1.77">Version |
| 319 |
|
1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are |
| 320 |
|
unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete |
| 321 |
|
replacement.</li> |
| 322 |
|
|
| 323 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.73&r2=1.74">Version |
| 324 |
|
1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated |
| 325 |
|
in some places but not reflected everywhere: |
| 326 |
|
<ul> |
| 327 |
|
<li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can |
| 328 |
|
substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release. |
| 329 |
|
Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li> |
| 330 |
|
<li>The right to merge in existing modules |
| 331 |
|
refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li> |
| 332 |
|
<li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li> |
| 333 |
|
<li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li> |
| 334 |
|
</ul> |
| 335 |
|
</li> |
| 336 |
|
|
| 337 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.56&r2=1.57">Version |
| 338 |
|
1.57</a>: Add "Beyond Software" section.</li> |
| 339 |
|
|
| 340 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.45&r2=1.46">Version |
| 341 |
|
1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run |
| 342 |
|
the program for any purpose.</li> |
| 343 |
|
|
| 344 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.40&r2=1.41">Version |
| 345 |
|
1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li> |
| 346 |
|
|
| 347 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.39&r2=1.40">Version |
| 348 |
|
1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other |
| 349 |
|
available free software to create your modifications.</li> |
| 350 |
|
|
| 351 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.38&r2=1.39">Version |
| 352 |
|
1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
| 353 |
|
provide source for versions of the software you put into public |
| 354 |
|
use.</li> |
| 355 |
|
|
| 356 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.30&r2=1.31">Version |
| 357 |
|
1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
| 358 |
|
identify yourself as the author of modifications. Other minor |
| 359 |
|
clarifications throughout the text.</li> |
| 360 |
|
|
| 361 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.22&r2=1.23">Version |
| 362 |
|
1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based |
| 363 |
|
licenses.</li> |
| 364 |
|
|
| 365 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.15&r2=1.16">Version |
| 366 |
|
1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li> |
| 367 |
|
|
| 368 |
|
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.10&r2=1.11">Version |
| 369 |
|
1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of |
| 370 |
|
versions you distribute to the author.</li> |
| 371 |
|
|
| 372 |
|
</ul> |
| 373 |
|
|
| 374 |
|
<p>There are gaps in the version numbers because there are many other |
| 375 |
|
changes that do not affect the substance of the definition at all. |
| 376 |
|
Instead, they fix links, add translations, and so on. If you would |
| 377 |
|
like to review the complete list of changes, you can do so on |
| 378 |
|
our <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&view=log">cvsweb |
| 379 |
|
interface</a>.</p> |
| 380 |
|
|
| 381 |
|
</div> |
| 382 |
|
|
| 383 |
|
<!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" --> |
| 384 |
|
|
| 385 |
|
<div id="footer"> |
| 386 |
|
|
| 387 |
|
<p> |
| 388 |
|
Please send FSF & GNU inquiries to |
| 389 |
|
<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><gnu@gnu.org></a>. |
| 390 |
|
There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a> |
| 391 |
|
the FSF. |
| 392 |
|
<br /> |
| 393 |
|
Please send broken links and other corrections or suggestions to |
| 394 |
|
<a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a>. |
| 395 |
|
</p> |
| 396 |
|
|
| 397 |
|
<p> |
| 398 |
|
Please see the |
| 399 |
|
<a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations |
| 400 |
|
README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting |
| 401 |
|
translations of this article. |
| 402 |
|
</p> |
| 403 |
|
|
| 404 |
|
<p> |
| 405 |
|
Copyright © 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, |
| 406 |
|
2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 Free Software Foundation, Inc. |
| 407 |
|
</p> |
| 408 |
|
<p>Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is |
| 409 |
|
permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is |
| 410 |
|
preserved. |
| 411 |
|
</p> |
| 412 |
|
|
| 413 |
|
<p> |
| 414 |
Updated: |
Updated: |
| 415 |
<!-- timestamp start --> |
<!-- timestamp start --> |
| 416 |
$Date$ $Author$ |
$Date$ |
| 417 |
<!-- timestamp end --> |
<!-- timestamp end --> |
| 418 |
<HR> |
</p> |
| 419 |
</BODY> |
</div> |
| 420 |
</HTML> |
|
| 421 |
|
<div id="translations"> |
| 422 |
|
<h4>Translations of this page</h4> |
| 423 |
|
|
| 424 |
|
<!-- Please keep this list alphabetical, and in the original --> |
| 425 |
|
<!-- language if possible, otherwise default to English --> |
| 426 |
|
<!-- If you do not have it English, please comment what the --> |
| 427 |
|
<!-- English is. If you add a new language here, please --> |
| 428 |
|
<!-- advise web-translators@gnu.org and add it to --> |
| 429 |
|
<!-- - in /home/www/bin/nightly-vars either TAGSLANG or WEBLANG --> |
| 430 |
|
<!-- - in /home/www/html/server/standards/README.translations.html --> |
| 431 |
|
<!-- one of the lists under the section "Translations Underway" --> |
| 432 |
|
<!-- - if there is a translation team, you also have to add an alias --> |
| 433 |
|
<!-- to mail.gnu.org:/com/mailer/aliases --> |
| 434 |
|
<!-- Please also check you have the 2 letter language code right versus --> |
| 435 |
|
<!-- http://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/IG/ert/iso639.htm --> |
| 436 |
|
<ul class="translations-list"> |
| 437 |
|
<!-- Afrikaans --> |
| 438 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.af.html">Afrikaans</a> [af]</li> |
| 439 |
|
<!-- Arabic --> |
| 440 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ar.html">العربية</a> [ar]</li> |
| 441 |
|
<!-- Azerbaijani --> |
| 442 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.az.html">Azərbaycanca</a> [az]</li> |
| 443 |
|
<!-- Bulgarian --> |
| 444 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bg.html">български</a> [bg]</li> |
| 445 |
|
<!-- Bengali --> |
| 446 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bn.html">বাংলা</a> [bn]</li> |
| 447 |
|
<!-- Bosnian --> |
| 448 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bs.html">bosanski</a> [bs]</li> |
| 449 |
|
<!-- Catalan --> |
| 450 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ca.html">català</a> [ca]</li> |
| 451 |
|
<!-- Czech --> |
| 452 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">Česky</a> [cs]</li> |
| 453 |
|
<!-- Danish --> |
| 454 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">dansk</a> [da]</li> |
| 455 |
|
<!-- German --> |
| 456 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">Deutsch</a> [de]</li> |
| 457 |
|
<!-- Greek --> |
| 458 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.el.html">ελληνικά</a> [el]</li> |
| 459 |
|
<!-- English --> |
| 460 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</a> [en]</li> |
| 461 |
|
<!-- Esperanto --> |
| 462 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.eo.html">Esperanto</a> [eo]</li> |
| 463 |
|
<!-- Spanish --> |
| 464 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">español</a> [es]</li> |
| 465 |
|
<!-- Farsi (Persian) --> |
| 466 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fa.html">فارسی</a> [fa]</li> |
| 467 |
|
<!-- French --> |
| 468 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">français</a> [fr]</li> |
| 469 |
|
<!-- Galician --> |
| 470 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">galego</a> [gl]</li> |
| 471 |
|
<!-- Hebrew --> |
| 472 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">עברית</a> [he]</li> |
| 473 |
|
<!-- Croatian --> |
| 474 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">hrvatski</a> [hr]</li> |
| 475 |
|
<!-- Hungarian --> |
| 476 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">magyar</a> [hu]</li> |
| 477 |
|
<!-- Indonesian --> |
| 478 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a> [id]</li> |
| 479 |
|
<!-- Italian --> |
| 480 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">italiano</a> [it]</li> |
| 481 |
|
<!-- Japanese --> |
| 482 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">日本語</a> [ja]</li> |
| 483 |
|
<!-- Korean --> |
| 484 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">한국어</a> [ko]</li> |
| 485 |
|
<!-- Norwegian Bokmål --> |
| 486 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nb.html">norsk (bokmål)</a> [nb]</li> |
| 487 |
|
<!-- Dutch --> |
| 488 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a> [nl]</li> |
| 489 |
|
<!-- Polish --> |
| 490 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">polski</a> [pl]</li> |
| 491 |
|
<!-- Brazilian Portuguese --> |
| 492 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt-br.html">português do Brasil</a> [pt-br]</li> |
| 493 |
|
<!-- Romanian --> |
| 494 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">română</a> [ro]</li> |
| 495 |
|
<!-- Russian --> |
| 496 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">русский</a> [ru]</li> |
| 497 |
|
<!-- Slovak --> |
| 498 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sk.html">slovenčina</a> [sk]</li> |
| 499 |
|
<!--- Slovenian --> |
| 500 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">slovenščina</a> [sl]</li> |
| 501 |
|
<!-- Serbian --> |
| 502 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sr.html">српски</a> [sr]</li> |
| 503 |
|
<!-- Swedish --> |
| 504 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">svenska</a> [sv]</li> |
| 505 |
|
<!-- Tamil --> |
| 506 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ta.html">தமிழ்</a> [ta]</li> |
| 507 |
|
<!-- Tagalog --> |
| 508 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tl.html">Tagalog</a> [tl]</li> |
| 509 |
|
<!-- Turkish --> |
| 510 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Türkçe</a> [tr]</li> |
| 511 |
|
<!-- Chinese (Simplified) --> |
| 512 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-cn.html">简体中文</a> [zh-cn]</li> |
| 513 |
|
<!-- Chinese (Traditional) --> |
| 514 |
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-tw.html">繁體中文</a> [zh-tw]</li> |
| 515 |
|
</ul> |
| 516 |
|
</div> |
| 517 |
|
|
| 518 |
|
</div> |
| 519 |
|
|
| 520 |
|
</body> |
| 521 |
|
</html> |