Free Software - the Definition

Free software - Free definition of free software is free, not price. It has been used in this sense since the 1980's, and the complete definition of the first record seems to be GNU Announcement, Volume 1. No. 1 was published from January 1989 6. In particular, the four freedoms define free software. [1] Free-running program for all purposes. Concerning the use of free software, such as time ("30 day trial period", "license expiration date expires on January 1, 2004"), purpose ("research and non-commercial use license"), geographical area By restriction limit ("not used in X country"), the program will not be free.

The definition of free software qualifies as a specific software program as a free software standard. From time to time, modify this definition, clarify it, or resolve the problem with subtle problems. For a list of changes affecting the definition of free software, see the "History" section below. "Free software" means software that respects freedom of users and communities. Broadly speaking, this means that the user freely executes, copies, distributes, investigates, modifies and improves the software. Therefore, "free software" is a matter of freedom, it is not a matter of price. To understand this concept, "freedom" should be considered "freedom of speech" rather than "free beer". We sometimes call it "free software", meaning that we are not saying that software is free, with the word "free" in French or Spanish.

In software development, the phrase "freedom with freedom of speech" and "freedom as beer" are used to distinguish context. Beer free is the cost of software. You can get it at very low cost, or someone can buy it for you, but you change its service, accessing the internal workings of that function You can not make a copy for that, or for distribution. Like beer software you can sell to you for free. This is your goal, only for the purpose I want. Free calls are software allowed when you purchase software. Some technologies allow buyers or end users to access source code, manipulate designs and functions, improve and modify technology, and distribute original or hacked versions as needed. I can sell you free like a speech software, but if you get it, your freedom is yours.