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1  <!--#include virtual="/server/header.html" -->  <!--#include virtual="/server/header.html" -->
2    <!-- Parent-Version: 1.75 -->
3  <title>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</title>  <title>What is free software?
4    - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title>
5    
6  <meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" />  <meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" />
7  <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." />  <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." />
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10  <!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" -->  <!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" -->
11    
12  <h2>The Free Software Definition</h2>  <h2>What is free software?</h2>
13    
14    <h3>The Free Software Definition</h3>
15    
16    <blockquote>
17    <p>
18    The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a
19    particular software program qualifies as free software.  From time to
20    time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions
21    about subtle issues.  See the <a href="#History">History section</a>
22    below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free
23    software.
24    </p>
25    </blockquote>
26    
27    <p>
28    &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; means software that respects users'
29    freedom and community.  Roughly, <b>the users have the freedom to run,
30    copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software</b>.  With these
31    freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control the
32    program and what it does for them.
33    </p>
34    
35  <p>  <p>
36  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must  When users don't control the program, the program controls the users.
37  be true about a particular software program for it to be considered  The developer controls the program, and through it controls the users.
38  free software.  This nonfree or &ldquo;proprietary&rdquo; program is therefore an
39    instrument of unjust power.
40  </p>  </p>
41    
42  <p>  <p>
43  <q>Free software</q> is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand  Thus, &ldquo;free software&rdquo; is a matter of liberty, not price.
44  the concept, you should think of <q>free</q> as in <q>free speech,</q>  To understand the concept, you should think of &ldquo;free&rdquo; as
45  not as in <q>free beer.</q>  in &ldquo;free speech,&rdquo; not as in &ldquo;free beer&rdquo;.
46  </p>  </p>
47    
48  <p>  <p>
49  Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute,  A program is free software if the program's users have the
50  study, change and improve the software.  More precisely, it refers to  four essential freedoms:
 four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:  
51  </p>  </p>
52    
53  <ul>  <ul>
54    <li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>    <li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>
55    <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to    <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it
56        your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition        does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source
57        for this.        code is a precondition for this.
58    </li>    </li>
59    <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor    <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
60        (freedom 2).        (freedom 2).
61    </li>    </li>
62    <li>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements    <li>The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions
63        to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3).        to others (freedom 3).  By doing this you can give the whole
64          community a chance to benefit from your changes.
65        Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
66    </li>    </li>
67  </ul>  </ul>
# Line 50  you should be free to redistribute copie Line 72  you should be free to redistribute copie
72  modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to  modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to
73  <a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>.  Being free to do these  <a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>.  Being free to do these
74  things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay  things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay
75  for permission.  for permission to do so.
76  </p>  </p>
77    
78  <p>  <p>
# Line 66  or organization to use it on any kind of Line 88  or organization to use it on any kind of
88  overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it  overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it
89  with the developer or any other specific entity.  In this freedom, it is  with the developer or any other specific entity.  In this freedom, it is
90  the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>  the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>
91  purpose; you as a user are free to run a program for your purposes,  purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes,
92  and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it  and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it
93  for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her.  for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her.
94  </p>  </p>
# Line 75  for her purposes, but you are not entitl Line 97  for her purposes, but you are not entitl
97  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable
98  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
99  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary
100  for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is ok if there  for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is OK if there
101  is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program  is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program
102  (since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the  (since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the
103  freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to  freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to
# Line 83  make them. Line 105  make them.
105  </p>  </p>
106    
107  <p>  <p>
108  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved  In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the
109  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of  freedom to publish the changed versions) to be meaningful, you must have
110  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary  access to the source code of the program.  Therefore, accessibility of
111  condition for free software.  source code is a necessary condition for free software.  Obfuscated
112    &ldquo;source code&rdquo; is not real source code and does not count
113    as source code.
114  </p>  </p>
115    
116  <p>  <p>
117  One important way to modify a program is by merging in available  Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of
118  free subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you  the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
119  cannot merge in an existing module, such as if it requires you to be the  run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours &mdash; a
120  copyright holder of any code you add, then the license is too restrictive  practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or &ldquo;lockdown&rdquo;,
121  to qualify as free.  or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as &ldquo;secure
122    boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 becomes a theoretical fiction rather
123    than a practical freedom.  This is not sufficient.  In other words,
124    these binaries are not free software even if the source code they are
125    compiled from is free.
126  </p>  </p>
127    
128  <p>  <p>
129  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
130  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
131  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give cause,  cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module &mdash; for instance, if it
132  the software is not free.  requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add &mdash; then the
133    license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
134    </p>
135    
136    <p>
137    Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions
138    as free software.  A free license may also permit other ways of
139    releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be
140    a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license.  However, a
141    license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify
142    as a free license.
143    </p>
144    
145    <p>
146    In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
147    irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the
148    software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add
149    restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give
150    cause, the software is not free.
151  </p>  </p>
152    
153  <p>  <p>
# Line 114  the central freedoms; rather it protects Line 160  the central freedoms; rather it protects
160  </p>  </p>
161    
162  <p>  <p>
163    &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; does not mean &ldquo;noncommercial&rdquo;.  A free
164    program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
165    and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software
166    is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
167  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
168  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,
169  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
# Line 121  you always have the freedom to copy and Line 171  you always have the freedom to copy and
171  </p>  </p>
172    
173  <p>  <p>
174  <q>Free software</q> does not mean <q>non-commercial.</q>  A free  Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
175  program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,  If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that
176  and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software  someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free.
177  is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.  </p>
178    
179    <p>
180    However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable,
181    if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified
182    versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately.
183    Thus, it is acceptable for the license to require that you change the
184    name of the modified version, remove a logo, or identify your
185    modifications as yours.  As long as these requirements are not so
186    burdensome that they effectively hamper you from releasing your
187    changes, they are acceptable; you're already making other changes to
188    the program, so you won't have trouble making a few more.
189  </p>  </p>
190    
191  <p>  <p>
192  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  Rules that &ldquo;if you make your version available in this way, you
193  don't substantively block your freedom to release modified versions, or  must make it available in that way also&rdquo; can be acceptable too,
194  your freedom to make and use modified versions privately.  Rules that <q>if  on the same condition.  An example of such an acceptable rule is one
195  you make your version available in this way, you must make it available in  saying that if you have distributed a
 that way also</q> can be acceptable too, on the same condition.  (Note that  
 such a rule still leaves you the choice of whether to publish your version  
 at all.)  Rules that require release of source code to the users for  
 versions that you put into public use are also acceptable.  It is also  
 acceptable for the license to require that, if you have distributed a  
196  modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you  modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you
197  must send one, or that you identify yourself on your modifications.  must send one.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of
198    whether to distribute your version at all.)  Rules that require release
199    of source code to the users for versions that you put into public use
200    are also acceptable.
201  </p>  </p>
202    
203  <p>  <p>
204    A special issue arises when a license requires changing the name by
205    which the program will be invoked from other programs.  That
206    effectively hampers you from releasing your changed version so that it
207    can replace the original when invoked by those other programs.  This
208    sort of requirement is acceptable only if there's a suitable aliasing
209    facility that allows you to specify the original program's name as an
210    alias for the modified version.</p>
211    
212    <p>
213  In the GNU project, we use  In the GNU project, we use
214  <q><a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a></q>  <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a>
215  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But
216  <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted  <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">noncopylefted
217  free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are important reasons why  free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are important reasons why
218  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is better to use copyleft</a>,  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use copyleft</a>,
219  but if your program is non-copylefted free software, we can still  but if your program is noncopylefted free software, it is still basically
220  use it.  ethical. (See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a> for a description of how &ldquo;free software,&rdquo; &ldquo;copylefted software&rdquo; and other categories of software relate to each other.)
 </p>  
   
 <p>  
 See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a>  
 for a description of how <q>free software,</q> <q>copylefted software</q>  
 and other categories of software relate to each other.  
221  </p>  </p>
222    
223  <p>  <p>
# Line 165  programs internationally.  Software deve Line 227  programs internationally.  Software deve
227  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
228  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
229  way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the  way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
230  jurisdictions of these governments.  jurisdictions of these governments.  Thus, free software licenses
231    must not require obedience to any nontrivial export regulations as a
232    condition of exercising any of the essential freedoms.
233    </p>
234    
235    <p>
236    Merely mentioning the existence of export regulations, without making
237    them a condition of the license itself, is acceptable since it does
238    not restrict users.  If an export regulation is actually trivial for
239    free software, then requiring it as a condition is not an actual
240    problem; however, it is a potential problem, since a later change in
241    export law could make the requirement nontrivial and thus render the
242    software nonfree.
243  </p>  </p>
244    
245  <p>  <p>
# Line 176  is unlikely to have some other sort of p Line 250  is unlikely to have some other sort of p
250  (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software  (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software
251  licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger  licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
252  range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways  range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways
253  such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and non-free.  such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and nonfree.
254  </p>  </p>
255    
256  <p>  <p>
# Line 184  We can't possibly list all the ways that Line 258  We can't possibly list all the ways that
258  contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that  contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
259  copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as  copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
260  legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude  legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
261  it is non-free.  it is nonfree.
262  </p>  </p>
263    
264  <p>  <p>
265  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
266  like <q>give away</q> or <q>for free,</q> because those terms imply that  like &ldquo;give away&rdquo; or &ldquo;for free,&rdquo; because those terms imply that
267  the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such  the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
268  as <q>piracy</q> embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See  as &ldquo;piracy&rdquo; embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
269  <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that  <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
270  are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have  are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
271  a list of <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of  a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
272  <q>free software</q></a> into various languages.  &ldquo;free software&rdquo;</a> into various languages.
273  </p>  </p>
274    
275  <p>  <p>
# Line 221  listed there, you can ask us about it by Line 295  listed there, you can ask us about it by
295  </p>  </p>
296    
297  <p>  <p>
298  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the FSF  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the
299  by writing to that address. The proliferation of different free software  Free Software Foundation first by writing to that address. The
300  licenses means increased work for users in understanding the licenses;  proliferation of different free software licenses means increased work
301  we may be able to help you find an existing Free Software license that  for users in understanding the licenses; we may be able to help you
302  meets your needs.  find an existing free software license that meets your needs.
303  </p>  </p>
304    
305  <p>  <p>
306  If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our  If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our
307  help you can ensure that the license really is a Free Software license  help you can ensure that the license really is a free software license
308  and avoid various practical problems.  and avoid various practical problems.
309  </p>  </p>
310    
311  <h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2>  <h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3>
312    
313  <p>  <p>
314  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
# Line 246  manuals are in effect part of the softwa Line 320  manuals are in effect part of the softwa
320  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
321  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
322  such as educational works and reference  such as educational works and reference
323  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best known  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known
324  example.  example.
325  </p>  </p>
326    
# Line 256  has been extended to a definition of <a Line 330  has been extended to a definition of <a
330  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
331  </p>  </p>
332    
333  <h2 id="open-source">Open Source?</h2>  <h3 id="open-source">Open Source?</h3>
334    
335  <p>  <p>
336  Another group has started using the term <q>open source</q> to mean  Another group has started using the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean
337  something close (but not identical) to <q>free software.</q>  We  something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software&rdquo;.  We
338  prefer the term <q>free software</q> because, once you have heard that  prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that
339  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
340  word <q>open</q> <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">  word &ldquo;open&rdquo; <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
341  never refers to freedom</a>.  never refers to freedom</a>.
342  </p>  </p>
343    
344  </div>  <h3 id="History">History</h3>
345    
346    <p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition.  Here is
347    the list of substantive changes, along with links to show exactly what
348    was changed.</p>
349    
350  <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->  <ul>
351    
352  <div id="footer">  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.121&amp;r2=1.122">Version
353    1.122</a>: An export control requirement is a real problem if the
354    requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential problem.</li>
355    
356    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.110&amp;r2=1.111">Version
357    1.111</a>: Clarify 1.77 by saying that only
358    retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable.  The copyright
359    holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the
360    work by releasing the work in another way in parallel.</li>
361    
362    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.104&amp;r2=1.105">Version
363    1.105</a>: Reflect, in the brief statement of freedom 1, the point
364    (already stated in version 1.80) that it includes really using your modified
365    version for your computing.</li>
366    
367    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.91&amp;r2=1.92">Version
368    1.92</a>: Clarify that obfuscated code does not qualify as source code.</li>
369    
370    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.89&amp;r2=1.90">Version
371    1.90</a>: Clarify that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies
372    of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate
373    in someone else's development project.</li>
374    
375    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.88&amp;r2=1.89">Version
376    1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as
377    free software.</li>
378    
379    <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
380    1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
381    i.e., no tivoization.</li>
382    
383    <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
384    1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are
385    unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
386    replacement.</li>
387    
388    <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
389    1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
390    in some places but not reflected everywhere:
391    <ul>
392    <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can
393    substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
394    Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
395    <li>The right to merge in existing modules
396    refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
397    <li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
398    <li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
399    </ul>
400    </li>
401    
402  <p>  <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
403  Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to  1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>
 <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><em>gnu@gnu.org</em></a>.  
 There are also <a href="http://www.fsf.org/about/contact.html">other ways to contact</a>  
 the FSF.  
 <br />  
 Please send broken links and other corrections (or suggestions) to  
 <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><em>webmasters@gnu.org</em></a>.  
 </p>  
404    
405  <p>  <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
406  Please see the  1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
407  <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations  the program for any purpose.</li>
408  README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting  
409  translations of this article.  <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
410  </p>  1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
411    
412    <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
413    1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other
414    available free software to create your modifications.</li>
415    
416    <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
417    1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
418    provide source for versions of the software you put into public
419    use.</li>
420    
421    <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
422    1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
423    identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
424    clarifications throughout the text.</li>
425    
426    <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
427    1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
428    licenses.</li>
429    
430    <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
431    1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
432    
433    <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
434    1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of
435    versions you distribute to the author.</li>
436    
437  <p>  </ul>
 Copyright &copy; 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,  
 2005, 2006, 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc.,  
 </p>  
 <address>51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA</address>  
 <p>Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  
 permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is  
 preserved.  
 </p>  
438    
439  <p>  <p>There are gaps in the version numbers shown above because there are
440  Updated:  other changes in this page that do not affect the definition as such.
441    These changes are in other parts of the page.  You can review the
442    complete list of changes to the page through
443    the <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
444    interface</a>.</p>
445    
446    
447    </div><!-- for id="content", starts in the include above -->
448    <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
449    <div id="footer">
450    
451    <p>Please send general FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
452    <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org">&lt;gnu@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
453    There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
454    the FSF.  Broken links and other corrections or suggestions can be sent
455    to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">&lt;webmasters@gnu.org&gt;</a>.</p>
456    
457    <p><!-- TRANSLATORS: Ignore the original text in this paragraph,
458            replace it with the translation of these two:
459    
460            We work hard and do our best to provide accurate, good quality
461            translations.  However, we are not exempt from imperfection.
462            Please send your comments and general suggestions in this regard
463            to <a href="mailto:web-translators@gnu.org">
464            &lt;web-translators@gnu.org&gt;</a>.</p>
465    
466            <p>For information on coordinating and submitting translations of
467            our web pages, see <a
468            href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
469            README</a>. -->
470    Please see the <a
471    href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
472    README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting translations
473    of this article.</p>
474    
475    <!-- Regarding copyright, in general, standalone pages (as opposed to
476         files generated as part of manuals) on the GNU web server should
477         be under CC BY-ND 3.0 US.  Please do NOT change or remove this
478         without talking with the webmasters or licensing team first.
479         Please make sure the copyright date is consistent with the
480         document.  For web pages, it is ok to list just the latest year the
481         document was modified, or published.
482        
483         If you wish to list earlier years, that is ok too.
484         Either "2001, 2002, 2003" or "2001-2003" are ok for specifying
485         years, as long as each year in the range is in fact a copyrightable
486         year, i.e., a year in which the document was published (including
487         being publicly visible on the web or in a revision control system).
488        
489         There is more detail about copyright years in the GNU Maintainers
490         Information document, www.gnu.org/prep/maintain. -->
491    
492    <p>Copyright &copy; 1996-2002, 2004-2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
493    Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p>
494    
495    <p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"
496    href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/us/">Creative
497    Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License</a>.</p>
498    
499    <!--#include virtual="/server/bottom-notes.html" -->
500    
501    <p>Updated:
502  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
503  $Date$  $Date$
504  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
505  </p>  </p>
506  </div>  </div>
   
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507  </div>  </div>
   
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