Free software

Free software refers to software that grants users the freedom to study, modify, and distribute the software and its modified versions. These freedoms are essential to the software's classification as "free." It's a foundational concept in the digital realm and stands in contrast to proprietary software.

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Free Software Free Society

Definition

Free software is characterized by the liberties it provides to its users, rather than its cost. The central tenets are:

• Freedom 0: The freedom to run the software for any purpose.
• Freedom 1: The freedom to study and modify the software.
• Freedom 2: The freedom to distribute copies.
• Freedom 3: The freedom to distribute modified versions of the software.

To ensure these freedoms, users must have access to the software's source code.

History

The concept of free software was popularized by Richard Stallman in the 1980s with the inception of the GNU Project and the establishment of the Free Software Foundation (FSF). The movement arose in response to growing proprietary restrictions on software, which Stallman and others viewed as curtailing user freedoms.

Distinction from Open Source

While often used interchangeably, free software and open source software are not synonymous. Both advocate accessibility to the software's source code, but they have divergent philosophies. The open source movement focuses on the practical benefits of sharing software, emphasizing collaboration and improved quality. In contrast, the free software movement is deeply rooted in ethical principles, championing user freedoms.

Licensing

Free software is often distributed under licenses that ensure the software remains free. The most notable of these is the GNU General Public License (GPL), but there are many others like the MIT License and the Apache License.

Economic Aspects

While "free" can suggest a lack of cost, free software doesn't preclude monetization. Developers might sell services, like support or training, related to the software. Moreover, the collaboration fostered by free software can lead to innovative developments that drive economic value.

Benefits and Criticisms

Benefits

• Transparency: Users can inspect the software for malicious functions or vulnerabilities.
• Flexibility: Users can adapt the software to their needs.
• Collaboration: Open contribution can lead to rapid development and innovation.

Criticisms

• Economic Model: Some argue that the free software model can inhibit profitability.
• Quality Concerns: Detractors suggest that without monetary incentive, quality might suffer.

See Also

• Proprietary software
• Open Source Initiative
• Copyleft

References

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