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<h1>The Free Software Definition</h1> |
<h2>The Free Software Definition</h2> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must |
We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be |
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be true about a particular software program for it to be considered |
true about a particular software program for it to be considered free |
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free software. |
software. From time to time we revise this definition to clarify it. |
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If you would like to review the changes we've made, please see |
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the <a href="#History">History section</a> below for more information. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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(freedom 2). |
(freedom 2). |
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</li> |
</li> |
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<li>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements |
<li>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements |
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(and modified versions in general) |
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to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). |
to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). |
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Access to the source code is a precondition for this. |
Access to the source code is a precondition for this. |
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</li> |
</li> |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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One important way to modify a program is by merging in available |
One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free |
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free subroutines and modules. If the program's license says that you |
subroutines and modules. If the program's license says that you |
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cannot merge in an existing module, such as if it requires you to be the |
cannot merge in a suitably-licensed existing module, such as if it |
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copyright holder of any code you add, then the license is too restrictive |
requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add, then the |
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to qualify as free. |
license is too restrictive to qualify as free. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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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 |
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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 |
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power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give cause, |
power to revoke the license, or replace it with a different license |
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the software is not free. |
(since this implies revoking the old license), |
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without your doing anything wrong to give cause, the software is not |
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free. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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<q>Free software</q> does not mean <q>non-commercial.</q> A free |
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program must be available for commercial use, commercial development, |
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and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software |
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is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
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You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have |
You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have |
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obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies, |
obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies, |
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you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to |
you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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<q>Free software</q> does not mean <q>non-commercial.</q> A free |
Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter. |
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program must be available for commercial use, commercial development, |
If your modifications are limited, in substance, to changes that |
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and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software |
someone else considers an improvement, that is not freedom. |
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is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they |
However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they |
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don't substantively block your freedom to release modified versions, or |
don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified versions, or |
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your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. Rules that <q>if |
your freedom to make and use modified versions privately. Rules that <q>if |
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you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in |
you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in |
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that way also</q> can be acceptable too, on the same condition. (Note that |
that way also</q> can be acceptable too, on the same condition. (Note that |
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<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted |
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted |
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free software</a> also exists. We believe there are important reasons why |
free software</a> also exists. We believe there are important reasons why |
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<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is better to use copyleft</a>, |
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is better to use copyleft</a>, |
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but if your program is non-copylefted free software, we can still |
but if your program is non-copylefted free software, it is still basically |
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use it. |
ethical. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do |
eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do |
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is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program. In this |
is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program. In this |
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way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the |
way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the |
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jurisdictions of these governments. |
jurisdictions of these governments. Thus, free software licenses |
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must not require obedience to any export regulations a condition of |
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any of the essential freedoms. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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<h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2> |
<h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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<a href="free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>, for the same |
<a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>, |
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reasons that software must be free, and because the manuals are in effect |
for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the |
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part of the software. |
manuals are in effect part of the software. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p> |
<p> |
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The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of |
The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of |
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practical use -- that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge, |
practical use — that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge, |
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such as educational works and reference |
such as educational works and reference |
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works. <a href="http://wikipedia.org"> Wikipedia </a> is the best known |
works. <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best known |
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example. |
example. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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Another group has started using the term <q>open source</q> to mean |
Another group has started using the term <q>open source</q> to mean |
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something close (but not identical) to <q>free software.</q> We |
something close (but not identical) to <q>free software.</q> We |
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prefer the term <q>free software</q> because, once you have heard that |
prefer the term <q>free software</q> because, once you have heard that |
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it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. |
it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The |
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The word <q>open</q> <a href="open-source-misses-the-point.html"> |
word <q>open</q> <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html"> |
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never refers to freedom </a>. |
never refers to freedom</a>. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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<p><a href="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</a></p> |
<h2 id="History">History</h2> |
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</div> |
<p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition to |
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clarify it. Here we provide a list of those modifications, along with |
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links to illustrate exactly what changed, so that others can review |
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them if they like.</p> |
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<ul> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.73&r2=1.74">Version |
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1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated |
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in some places but not reflected everywhere: |
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<ul> |
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<li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can |
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substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release. |
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Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li> |
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<li>The right to merge in existing modules |
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refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li> |
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<li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li> |
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<li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li> |
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</ul> |
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</li> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.56&r2=1.57">Version |
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1.57</a>: Add "Beyond Software" section.</li> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.45&r2=1.46">Version |
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1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run |
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the program for any purpose.</li> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.40&r2=1.41">Version |
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1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.39&r2=1.40">Version |
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1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other |
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available free software to create your modifications.</li> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.38&r2=1.39">Version |
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1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
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provide source for versions of the software you put into public |
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use.</li> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.30&r2=1.31">Version |
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1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to |
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identify yourself as the author of modifications. Other minor |
325 |
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clarifications throughout the text.</li> |
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|
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.22&r2=1.23">Version |
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1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based |
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licenses.</li> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.15&r2=1.16">Version |
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1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li> |
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<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.10&r2=1.11">Version |
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1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of |
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versions you distribute to the author.</li> |
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</ul> |
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<p>There are gaps in the version numbers because there are many other |
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changes that do not affect the substance of the definition at all. |
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Instead, they fix links, add translations, and so on. If you would |
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like to review the complete list of changes, you can do so on |
344 |
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our <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&view=log">cvsweb |
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interface</a>.</p> |
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</div> |
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|
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<!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" --> |
<!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" --> |
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|
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<p> |
<p> |
354 |
Please send FSF & GNU inquiries to |
Please send FSF & GNU inquiries to |
355 |
<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><em>gnu@gnu.org</em></a>. |
<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><em>gnu@gnu.org</em></a>. |
356 |
There are also <a href="http://www.fsf.org/about/contact.html">other ways to contact</a> |
There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a> |
357 |
the FSF. |
the FSF. |
358 |
<br /> |
<br /> |
359 |
Please send broken links and other corrections (or suggestions) to |
Please send broken links and other corrections or suggestions to |
360 |
<a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><em>webmasters@gnu.org</em></a>. |
<a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><em>webmasters@gnu.org</em></a>. |
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</p> |
</p> |
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</p> |
</p> |
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|
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<p> |
<p> |
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Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, |
Copyright © 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, |
372 |
2005, 2006 <br /> Free Software Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin St, |
2005, 2006, 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc., |
373 |
Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA |
</p> |
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<br /> |
<address>51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA</address> |
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Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is |
<p>Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is |
376 |
permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is |
permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is |
377 |
preserved. |
preserved. |
378 |
</p> |
</p> |
380 |
<p> |
<p> |
381 |
Updated: |
Updated: |
382 |
<!-- timestamp start --> |
<!-- timestamp start --> |
383 |
$Date$ $Author$ |
$Date$ |
384 |
<!-- timestamp end --> |
<!-- timestamp end --> |
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</p> |
</p> |
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</div> |
</div> |
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<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galego</a> <!-- Galician --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">עברית</a> <!-- Hebrew --></li> |
|
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<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Hrvatski</a> <!-- Croatian --></li> |
|
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<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a> <!-- Indonesian --></li> |
|
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<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italiano</a> <!-- Italian --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">日本語</a> <!-- Japanese --></li> |
|
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<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">한국어</a> <!-- Korean --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Magyar</a> <!-- Hungarian --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a> <!-- Dutch --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norsk</a> <!-- Norwegian --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polski</a> <!-- Polish --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Português</a> <!-- Portuguese --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Română</a> <!-- Romanian --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Русский</a> <!-- Russian --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovinsko</a> <!--- Slovenian --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sr.html">Српски</a> <!-- Serbian --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tl.html">Tagalog</a> <!-- Tagalog --></li> |
|
|
<li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Türkçe</a> <!-- Turkish --></li> |
|
480 |
</ul> |
</ul> |
481 |
</div> |
</div> |
482 |
|
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