Free Software
From LDSOSS
The official Free Software Definition consists of four basic principles of freedom:
"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:
- The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
- The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
- The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
- The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this."
While the term Free Software is historically the oldest, it is now less common than the term Open Source which was constructed to avoid some of the philosophy behind the term Free Software. Libre Software is now taking the lead in Europe, chosen for its clear focus on Freedom, without the ambiguity of the English word Free.
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