Free Software

Tuesday, January 1, 1980

Definition of Free Software

Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:

  1. freedom 0 - The freedom to run the program, for any purpose

  2. freedom 1 - The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

  3. freedom 2 - The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.

  4. freedom 3 - The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

The above is from The Free Software Definition.

Free software promotes the [Freedom to Innovate].