The Free Software Definition

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The Free Software Definition is a definition published by Free Software Foundation (FSF) for what constitutes free software. The earliest known publication of the definition was in the January 1989 edition^[1] of the now-discontinued GNU's Bulletin publication of FSF. The canonical source for the document is on the website of the GNU Project, in the philosophy section. As of January 2007, it is officially published in 33 languages. FSF publishes a list of licences which meet this definition.

1 The definition
2 References
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] The definition

The original definition, published in January 1989, had two points:

The word "free" in our name refers to two specific freedoms: first, the freedom to copy a program and give it away to your friends and co-workers; second, the freedom to change a program as you wish, by having full access to source code. Furthermore, you can study the source and learn how such programs are written. You may then be able to port it, improve it, and share your changes with others.

The modern definition has four points, which it numbers zero to three. It defines free software by whether or not the recipient has the freedoms to:

run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0)
study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1)
redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2)
improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3)

It also notes that "Access to the source code is a precondition" for freedoms 1 and 3.