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<title>What is (削除) free software? (削除ここまで) (追記) Free Software? (追記ここまで)
- GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title>
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<div class="article reduced-width"> (追記ここまで)
<h2>What is (削除) free software?</h2>
<h3>The (削除ここまで) Free (削除) Software Definition</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>
The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a
particular software program qualifies as free software. From time to
time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions
about subtle issues. See the <a href="#History">History section</a>
below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free
software.
</p>
</blockquote> (削除ここまで) (追記) Software?</h2>
<div class="thin"></div>
<div class="important"> (追記ここまで)
<p>
“Free software” means software that respects users'
freedom and community. Roughly, it means that <b>the users have the
freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the
software</b>. Thus, “free software” is a matter of
liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of
“free” as in “free speech,” not as in
“free (削除) beer”. (削除ここまで) (追記) beer.” We sometimes call it “libre
software,” borrowing the French or Spanish word for
“free” as in freedom, to show we do not mean the software
is gratis. (追記ここまで)
</p>
<p>
(追記) You may have paid money to get copies of a free program, or you may
have obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your
copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the software,
even to <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
</p>
</div>
<p> (追記ここまで)
We campaign for these freedoms because everyone deserves them. With
these freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control
the program and what it does for them. When users don't control the
program, we call it a “nonfree” or
“proprietary” program. The nonfree program controls the
users, and the developer controls the program; this makes the
program <a href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">
an instrument of unjust power</a>.
</p>
<p>
(追記) “Open source” is something different: it has a very
different philosophy based on different values. Its practical
definition is different too, but nearly all open source programs are
in fact free. We explain the
difference in <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
Why “Open Source” misses the point of Free Software</a>.
</p>
<div class="toc">
<hr class="no-display" />
<h3 class="no-display">Table of contents</h3>
<ul>
 <li><a href="#fs-definition">The Free Software Definition</a>
 <ul>
 <li><a href="#four-freedoms">The four essential freedoms</a></li>
 <li><a href="#selling">Free software <em>can</em> be commercial</a></li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li><a href="#clarifying">Clarifying the Boundary Between Free and Nonfree</a>
 <ul>
 <li><a href="#run-the-program">The freedom to run the program as you
 wish</a></li>
 <li><a href="#make-changes">The freedom to study the source code and make
 changes</a></li>
 <li><a href="#redistribute">The freedom to redistribute if you wish:
 basic requirements</a></li>
 <li><a href="#copyleft">Copyleft</a></li>
 <li><a href="#packaging">Rules about packaging and distribution
 details</a></li>
 <li><a href="#exportcontrol">Export regulations</a></li>
 <li><a href="#legal-details">Legal considerations</a></li>
 <li><a href="#contracts">Contract-based licenses</a></li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li><a href="#in-practice">The Free Software Definition in Practice</a>
 <ul>
 <li><a href="#interpretation">How we interpret these criteria</a></li>
 <li><a href="#get-help">Get help with free licenses</a></li>
 <li><a href="#terminology">Use the right words when talking about free
 software</a></li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li><a href="#beyond-software">Beyond Software</a></li>
 <li><a href="#History">History</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="edu-note" id="fsf-licensing" role="complementary">
<p style="font-size:80%">
Have a question about free software licensing not answered here?
See our other <a href="http://www.fsf.org/licensing">licensing resources</a>,
and if necessary contact the FSF Compliance Lab
at <a href="mailto:licensing@fsf.org">licensing@fsf.org</a>.</p>
<hr class="no-display" />
</div>
<h3 id="fs-definition">The Free Software Definition</h3>
<p>
The free software definition presents the criteria for whether a
particular software program qualifies as free software. From time to
time we revise this definition, to clarify it or to resolve questions
about subtle issues. See the <a href="#History">History section</a>
below for a list of changes that affect the definition of free
software.
</p>
<h4 id="four-freedoms">The four essential freedoms</h4>
<p> (追記ここまで)
A program is free software if the program's users (追記) (referred to
individually here as “you”) (追記ここまで) have the four essential
freedoms: (追記) <a href="#f1">[1]</a> (追記ここまで)
</p>
(削除) <ul> (削除ここまで)
(追記) <ul class="important"> (追記ここまで)
 <li>The freedom to run the (削除) program, (削除ここまで) (追記) program as you wish, (追記ここまで)
 for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>
 <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it
 does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source
 code is a precondition for this.
 </li>
 <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help (削除) your neighbor (削除ここまで) (追記) others (追記ここまで)
 (freedom 2).
 </li>
 <li>The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions
 to others (freedom 3). By doing this you can give the whole
 community a chance to benefit from your changes.
 Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
 </li>
</ul>
<p>
A program is free software if it gives users adequately all of these
freedoms. Otherwise, it is nonfree. While we can distinguish various
nonfree distribution schemes in terms of how far they fall short of
being free, we consider them all equally unethical.</p>
(削除) <p>The rest of this page clarifies certain points about what makes
specific (削除ここまで)
(追記) <p>In any given scenario, these (追記ここまで) freedoms (削除) adequate (削除ここまで) (追記) must apply to whatever code
we plan to make use of, (追記ここまで) or (削除) not.</p>
<p>Freedom (削除ここまで) (追記) lead others to make use of. For instance,
consider a program A which automatically launches a program B to
handle some cases. If we plan (追記ここまで) to distribute (削除) (freedoms 2 (削除ここまで) (追記) A as it stands, that
implies users will need B, so we need to judge whether both A (追記ここまで) and (削除) 3) means you (削除ここまで) (追記) B (追記ここまで)
are (削除) free (削除ここまで) (追記) free. However, if we plan (追記ここまで) to
(削除) redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either
gratis or charging (削除ここまで) (追記) modify A so that it doesn't use B,
only A needs to be free; B is not pertinent to that plan.</p>
<h4 id="selling">Free software <em>can</em> be commercial</h4>
<p>
“Free software” does not mean “noncommercial.”
On the contrary, (追記ここまで) a (削除) fee (削除ここまで) (追記) free program must be available (追記ここまで) for (削除) distribution, to
<a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>. Being (削除ここまで) (追記) commercial use,
commercial development, and commercial distribution. This policy is
of fundamental importance—without this, (追記ここまで) free (追記) software could not
achieve its aims.
</p>
<p>
We want (追記ここまで) to (削除) do these
things means (among other things) (削除ここまで) (追記) invite everyone to use the GNU system, including businesses
and their workers. That requires allowing commercial use. We hope (追記ここまで)
that (削除) you (削除ここまで) (追記) free replacement programs will supplant comparable proprietary
programs, but they can't (追記ここまで) do (削除) not have (削除ここまで) (追記) that if businesses are forbidden (追記ここまで) to (削除) ask or pay (削除ここまで) (追記) use
them. We want commercial products that contain software to include
the GNU system, and that would constitute commercial distribution (追記ここまで) for (削除) permission (削除ここまで)
(追記) a price. Commercial development of free software is no longer
unusual; such free commercial software is very important. Paid,
professional support for free software fills an important need.
</p>
<p>
Thus, (追記ここまで) to (削除) do so. (削除ここまで) (追記) exclude commercial use, commercial development or commercial
distribution would hobble the free software community and obstruct its
path to success. We must conclude that a program licensed with such
restrictions does not qualify as free software. (追記ここまで)
</p>
<p>
(削除) You should also have (削除ここまで)
(追記) A free program must offer (追記ここまで) the (削除) freedom (削除ここまで) (追記) four freedoms (追記ここまで) to (削除) make modifications and use them
privately (削除ここまで) (追記) any would-be user that
obtains a copy of the software, who has complied thus far with the
conditions of the free license covering the software (追記ここまで) in (削除) your own work (削除ここまで) (追記) any previous
distribution of it. Putting some of the freedoms off limits to some
users, (追記ここまで) or (削除) play, without even mentioning (削除ここまで) (追記) requiring (追記ここまで) that (削除) they
exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to
notify anyone (削除ここまで) (追記) users pay, (追記ここまで) in (削除) particular, (削除ここまで) (追記) money (追記ここまで) or in (削除) any particular way. (削除ここまで) (追記) kind, to exercise
them, is tantamount to not granting the freedoms in question, and thus
renders the program nonfree. (追記ここまで)
</p>
(追記) <h3 id="clarifying">Clarifying the Boundary Between Free and Nonfree</h3>
<p>In the rest of this article we explain more precisely how far the
various freedoms need to extend, on various issues, in order for a
program to be free.</p>
<h4 id="run-the-program">The freedom to run the program as you wish</h4> (追記ここまで)
<p>
The freedom to run the program means the freedom for any kind of person
or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind of
overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it
with the developer or any other specific entity. In this freedom, it is
the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>
purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes,
and if you distribute it to (削除) someone else, she is (削除ここまで) (追記) other people, they are (追記ここまで) then free to run it for (削除) her (削除ここまで)
(追記) their (追記ここまで) purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on (削除) her. (削除ここまで) (追記) them. (追記ここまで)
</p>
<p>
The freedom to (削除) redistribute copies must include binary or executable
forms of (削除ここまで) (追記) run (追記ここまで) the (削除) program, as well (削除ここまで) (追記) program (追記ここまで) as (削除) source code, for both modified and
unmodified versions. (Distributing programs (削除ここまで) (追記) you wish means that you are not
forbidden or stopped from making it run. This has nothing to do with what
functionality the program has, whether it is technically capable of
functioning (追記ここまで) in (削除) runnable form (削除ここまで) (追記) any given environment, or whether it (追記ここまで) is (削除) necessary (削除ここまで) (追記) useful (追記ここまで) for (削除) conveniently installable free operating systems.) It (削除ここまで) (追記) any
particular computing activity.</p>
<p>For example, if the code arbitrarily rejects certain meaningful
inputs—or even fails unconditionally—that may make the
program less useful, perhaps even totally useless, but it does not
deny users the freedom to run the program, so it does not conflict
with freedom 0. If the program (追記ここまで) is (削除) OK (削除ここまで) (追記) free, the users can overcome the
loss of usefulness, because freedoms 1 and 3 permit users and
communities to make and distribute modified versions without the
arbitrary nuisance code.</p>
<p>“As you wish” includes, optionally, “not at
all” (追記ここまで) if (追記) that is what you wish. So (追記ここまで) there is no (削除) way to produce a binary or executable form (削除ここまで) (追記) need (追記ここまで) for a (削除) certain (削除ここまで)
(追記) separate “freedom not to run a program.”</p>
<p>Permission to run the (追記ここまで) program
(削除) (since some languages don't support that feature), but you (削除ここまで) must (削除) have the
freedom to redistribute such forms should (削除ここまで) (追記) not be conditional on what (追記ここまで) you (削除) find (削除ここまで)
(追記) do with other separate programs, not even if they are in use on the
same computer (追記ここまで) or (削除) develop (削除ここまで) (追記) for the same general activity. “Separate programs”
means that they have not been combined in (追記ここまで) a way (追記) that would make them
count as a single larger work.</p>
<h4 id="make-changes">The freedom (追記ここまで) to (追記) study the source code and (追記ここまで) make (削除) them.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) changes</h4> (追記ここまで)
<p>
In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the
freedom to publish the changed versions) to be meaningful, you (削除) must (削除ここまで) (追記) need to (追記ここまで)
have access to the source code of the program. Therefore,
accessibility of source code is a necessary condition for free
software. Obfuscated “source code” is not real source
code and does not count as source code.
</p>
<p>
(追記) Source code is defined as the preferred form of the program for making
changes in. Thus, whatever form a developer changes to develop the
program is the source code of that developer's version. Placing a
free license on a binary program does not make it source
code—unless that binary program's developer always maintains it
by patching that binary and has no real source code for it.
</p>
<p> (追記ここまで)
Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of
the original. If the program is delivered in a product designed to
run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run (削除) yours — a (削除ここまで) (追記) yours—a (追記ここまで)
practice known as “tivoization” or (削除) “lockdown”, (削除ここまで) (追記) “lockdown,” (追記ここまで)
or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as “secure
(削除) boot” — freedom (削除ここまで)
(追記) boot”—freedom (追記ここまで) 1 becomes (削除) a theoretical fiction (削除ここまで) (追記) an empty pretense (追記ここまで) rather than a
practical (削除) freedom. This is not sufficient. In other words,
these (削除ここまで) (追記) reality. These (追記ここまで) binaries are not free
software even if the source code they are compiled from is free.
</p>
<p>
One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
subroutines and modules. If the program's license says that you
cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing (削除) module — for (削除ここまで) (追記) module—for (追記ここまで) instance, if it
requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you (削除) add — then (削除ここまで) (追記) add—then (追記ここまで) the
license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
</p>
<p>
(追記) Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that
someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free.
</p>
<p>
One special case of freedom 1 is to delete the program's code so it
returns after doing nothing, or make it invoke some other program.
Thus, freedom 1 includes the “freedom to delete the program.”
</p>
<h4 id="redistribute">The freedom to redistribute if you wish: basic
requirements</h4>
<p>Freedom to distribute (freedoms 2 and 3) means you are free to
redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either
gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to
<a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>. Being free to do these
things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay
for permission to do so.
</p>
<p>
You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them
privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they
exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to
notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.
</p>
<p> (追記ここまで)
Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions
as free software. A free license may also permit other ways of
releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be
a <a (削除) href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> (削除ここまで) (追記) href="/licenses/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> (追記ここまで) license. However, a
license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify
as a free license.
</p>
<p>
(削除) In order for these freedoms (削除ここまで)
(追記) The freedom (追記ここまで) to (削除) be real, they (削除ここまで) (追記) redistribute copies (追記ここまで) must (削除) be permanent and
irrevocable (削除ここまで) (追記) include binary or executable
forms of the program, (追記ここまで) as (削除) long (削除ここまで) (追記) well (追記ここまで) as (削除) you do nothing wrong; (削除ここまで) (追記) source code, for both modified and
unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary
for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is OK (追記ここまで) if (削除) the developer of the
software has the power (削除ここまで) (追記) there
is no way (追記ここまで) to (削除) revoke the license, (削除ここまで) (追記) produce a binary (追記ここまで) or (削除) retroactively add
restrictions (削除ここまで) (追記) executable form for a certain program
(since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the
freedom (追記ここまで) to (削除) its terms, without your doing anything wrong (削除ここまで) (追記) redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way (追記ここまで) to (削除) give
cause, the software is not free. (削除ここまで)
(追記) make them. (追記ここまで)
</p>
(追記) <h4 id="copyleft">Copyleft</h4> (追記ここまで)
<p>
(削除) However, certain (削除ここまで)
(追記) Certain (追記ここまで) kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
freedoms. For example, (削除) copyleft (削除ここまで) (追記) <a href="/licenses/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> (追記ここまで)
(very simply stated) is the rule that when redistributing the program,
you cannot add restrictions to deny other people the central freedoms.
This rule does not conflict with the central freedoms; rather it
protects them.
</p>
<p>
In the GNU project, we use (削除) <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html"> (削除ここまで) copyleft (削除) </a> (削除ここまで) to protect the four freedoms
legally for everyone. We believe there are important reasons why
<a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use
copyleft</a>. However,
<a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">
noncopylefted free software</a> is ethical
too. See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free
Software</a> for a description of how “free software,”
“copylefted software” and other categories of software
relate to each other.
</p>
(削除) <p>
“Free software” does not mean “noncommercial”. A free
program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
and commercial distribution. Commercial development of free software
is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have
obtained copies at no charge. But regardless of how you got your copies,
you always have the freedom to copy (削除ここまで)
(追記) <h4 id="packaging">Rules about packaging (追記ここまで) and (削除) change the software, even to 
<a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
</p>
<p>
Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
If your right to modify a program is limited, in substance, to changes that
someone else considers an improvement, that program is not free.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) distribution details</h4> (追記ここまで)
<p>
(削除) However, rules (削除ここまで)
(追記) Rules (追記ここまで) about how to package a modified version are acceptable,
if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified
versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately.
Thus, it is acceptable for the license to require that you change the
name of the modified version, remove a logo, or identify your
modifications as yours. As long as these requirements are not so
burdensome that they effectively hamper you from releasing your
changes, they are acceptable; you're already making other changes to
the program, so you won't have trouble making a few more.
</p>
<p>
Rules that “if you make your version available in this way, you
must make it available in that way also” can be acceptable too,
on the same condition. An example of such an acceptable rule is one
saying that if you have distributed a
modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you
must send one. (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of
whether to distribute your version at all.) Rules that require release
of source code to the users for versions that you put into public use
are also acceptable.
</p>
<p>
A special issue arises when a license requires changing the name by
which the program will be invoked from other programs. That
effectively hampers you from releasing your changed version so that it
can replace the original when invoked by those other programs. This
sort of requirement is acceptable only if there's a suitable aliasing
facility that allows you to specify the original program's name as an
alias for the modified version.</p>
(追記) <h4 id="exportcontrol">Export regulations</h4> (追記ここまで)
<p>
Sometimes government (削除) <a id="exportcontrol">export (削除ここまで) (追記) export (追記ここまで) control (削除) regulations</a> (削除ここまで) (追記) regulations (追記ここまで)
and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of
programs internationally. Software developers do not have the power to
eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program. In this
way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
jurisdictions of these governments. Thus, free software licenses
must not require obedience to any nontrivial export regulations as a
condition of exercising any of the essential freedoms.
</p>
<p>
Merely mentioning the existence of export regulations, without making
them a condition of the license itself, is acceptable since it does
not restrict users. If an export regulation is actually trivial for
free software, then requiring it as a condition is not an actual
problem; however, it is a potential problem, since a later change in
export law could make the requirement nontrivial and thus render the
software nonfree.
</p>
(追記) <h4 id="legal-details">Legal considerations</h4>
<p>
In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the
software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively add
restrictions to its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give
cause, the software is not free.
</p> (追記ここまで)
<p>
A free license may not require compliance with the license of a
nonfree program. Thus, for instance, if a license requires you to
comply with the licenses of “all the programs you (削除) use”, (削除ここまで) (追記) use,” (追記ここまで) in
the case of a user that runs nonfree programs this would require
compliance with the licenses of those nonfree programs; that makes the
license nonfree.
</p>
<p>
It is acceptable for a free license to specify which jurisdiction's
law applies, or where litigation must be done, or both.
</p>
(追記) <h4 id="contracts">Contract-based licenses</h4> (追記ここまで)
<p>
Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright. If a
copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it
is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated
(though this does happen occasionally). However, some free software
licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
range of possible restrictions. That means there are many possible ways
such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and nonfree.
</p>
<p>
We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen. If a
contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
it is nonfree.
</p>
(削除) <p>
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
like “give away” or “for free,” because those terms imply that
the issue is about price, not freedom. Some common terms such
as “piracy” embody opinions (削除ここまで)
(追記) <h3 id="in-practice">The Free Software Definition in Practice</h3>
<h4 id="interpretation">How (追記ここまで) we (削除) hope you won't endorse. See 
<a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of (削除ここまで) (追記) interpret (追記ここまで) these (削除) terms. We also have
a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
“free software”</a> into various languages.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) criteria</h4> (追記ここまで)
<p>
(削除) Finally, note (削除ここまで)
(追記) Note (追記ここまで) that criteria such as those stated in this free software
definition require careful thought for their interpretation. To decide
whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their
spirit as well as the precise words. If a license includes unconscionable
restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue
in these criteria. Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue
that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer,
before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable. When we reach
a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make
it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify.
</p>
(追記) <h4 id="get-help">Get help with free licenses</h4> (追記ここまで)
<p>
If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free
software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list
of licenses</a>. If the license you are concerned with is not
listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at 
<a href="mailto:licensing@gnu.org"><licensing@gnu.org></a>.
</p> 
<p>
If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the
Free Software Foundation first by writing to that address. The
proliferation of different free software licenses means increased work
for users in understanding the licenses; we may be able to help you
find an existing free software license that meets your needs.
</p>
<p>
If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our
help you can ensure that the license really is a free software license
and avoid various practical problems.
</p>
(追記) <h4 id="terminology">Use the right words when talking about free software</h4>
<p>
When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
like “give away” or “for free,” because those terms imply that
the issue is about price, not freedom. Some common terms such
as “piracy” embody opinions we hope you won't endorse. See 
<a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms. We also have
a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
“free software”</a> into various languages.
</p>
<p id="open-source">
Another group uses the term “open source” to mean
something close (but not identical) to “free software.” We
prefer the term “free software” because, once you have heard that
it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The
word “open” never refers to freedom.
</p> (追記ここまで)
<h3 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h3>
<p>
<a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the
manuals are in effect part of the software.
</p>
<p>
The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
practical (削除) use — that (削除ここまで) (追記) use—that (追記ここまで) is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
such as educational works and reference
works. <a (削除) href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> (削除ここまで) (追記) href="https://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> (追記ここまで) is the best-known
example.
</p>
<p>
Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software
has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
</p>
<h3 (削除) id="open-source">Open Source?</h3>
<p>
Another group has started using the term “open source” to mean
something close (but not identical) to “free software”. We
prefer the term “free software” because, once you have heard that
it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The
word “open” <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
never refers to freedom</a>.
</p>
<h3 (削除ここまで) id="History">History</h3>
<p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition. Here is
the list of substantive changes, along with links to show exactly what
was (削除) changed.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.130&r2=1.131">Version
1.131</a>: A (削除ここまで) (追記) changed.</p><!--#set var='close_a' value="</a>" -->
<dl><!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/169.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.169<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Explain more clearly why the four freedoms must apply
to commercial activity. Explain why the four freedoms imply the
freedom not to run the program and the freedom to delete it, so there
is no need to state those as separate requirements.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/165.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.165<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify that arbitrary annoyances in the code do not
negate freedom 0, and that freedoms 1 and 3 enable users to remove them.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/153.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.153<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify that freedom to run the program means nothing stops
you from making it run.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/141.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.141<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify which code needs to be free.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/135.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.135<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Say each time that freedom 0 is the freedom to run the program
as you wish.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/134.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.134<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Freedom 0 is not a matter of the program's functionality.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/131.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.131<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>A (追記ここまで) free license may not require compliance with a nonfree license
of another (削除) program.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.128&r2=1.129">Version
1.129</a>: State (削除ここまで) (追記) program.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/129.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.129<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>State (追記ここまで) explicitly that choice of law and choice of forum
specifications are allowed. (This was always our (削除) policy.)</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.121&r2=1.122">Version
1.122</a>: An (削除ここまで) (追記) policy.)</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/122.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.122<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>An (追記ここまで) export control requirement is a real problem if the
requirement is nontrivial; otherwise it is only a potential (削除) problem.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.117&r2=1.118">Version
1.118</a>: Clarification: (削除ここまで) (追記) problem.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/118.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.118<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarification: (追記ここまで) the issue is limits on your right to modify,
not on what modifications you have made. And modifications are not limited
to (削除) “improvements”</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.110&r2=1.111">Version
1.111</a>: Clarify (削除ここまで) (追記) “improvements”</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/111.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.111<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify (追記ここまで) 1.77 by saying that only
retroactive <em>restrictions</em> are unacceptable. The copyright
holders can always grant additional <em>permission</em> for use of the
work by releasing the work in another way in (削除) parallel.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.104&r2=1.105">Version
1.105</a>: Reflect, (削除ここまで) (追記) parallel.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/105.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.105<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Reflect, (追記ここまで) in the brief statement of freedom 1, the point
(already stated in version 1.80) that it includes really using your modified
version for your (削除) computing.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.91&r2=1.92">Version
1.92</a>: Clarify (削除ここまで) (追記) computing.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/92.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.92<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify (追記ここまで) that obfuscated code does not qualify as source (削除) code.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.89&r2=1.90">Version
1.90</a>: Clarify (削除ここまで) (追記) code.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/90.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.90<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify (追記ここまで) that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies
of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate
in someone else's development (削除) project.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.88&r2=1.89">Version
1.89</a>: Freedom (削除ここまで) (追記) project.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/89.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.89<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Freedom (追記ここまで) 3 includes the right to release modified versions as
free (削除) software.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.79&r2=1.80">Version
1.80</a>: Freedom (削除ここまで) (追記) software.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/80.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.80<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Freedom (追記ここまで) 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
i.e., no (削除) tivoization.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.76&r2=1.77">Version
1.77</a>: Clarify (削除ここまで) (追記) tivoization.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/77.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.77<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify (追記ここまで) that all retroactive changes to the license are
unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
(削除) replacement.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.73&r2=1.74">Version
1.74</a>: Four (削除ここまで)
(追記) replacement.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/74.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.74<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Four (追記ここまで) clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
in some places but not reflected everywhere:
<ul>
(削除) <li>"Improvements" (削除ここまで)
(追記) <li>“Improvements” (追記ここまで) does not mean the license can
substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
<li>The right to merge in existing modules
refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
<li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
<li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
</ul>
(削除) </li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.56&r2=1.57">Version
1.57</a>: Add "Beyond Software" section.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.45&r2=1.46">Version
1.46</a>: Clarify (削除ここまで)
(追記) </dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/57.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.57<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Add “Beyond Software” section.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/46.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.46<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify (追記ここまで) whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
the program for any (削除) purpose.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.40&r2=1.41">Version
1.41</a>: Clarify (削除ここまで) (追記) purpose.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/41.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.41<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Clarify (追記ここまで) wording about contract-based (削除) licenses.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.39&r2=1.40">Version
1.40</a>: Explain (削除ここまで) (追記) licenses.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/40.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.40<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Explain (追記ここまで) that a free license must allow to you use other
available free software to create your (削除) modifications.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.38&r2=1.39">Version
1.39</a>: Note (削除ここまで) (追記) modifications.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/39.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.39<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Note (追記ここまで) that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
provide source for versions of the software you put into public
(削除) use.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.30&r2=1.31">Version
1.31</a>: Note (削除ここまで)
(追記) use.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/31.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.31<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Note (追記ここまで) that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
identify yourself as the author of modifications. Other minor
clarifications throughout the (削除) text.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.22&r2=1.23">Version
1.23</a>: Address (削除ここまで) (追記) text.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/23.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.23<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Address (追記ここまで) potential problems related to contract-based
(削除) licenses.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.15&r2=1.16">Version
1.16</a>: Explain (削除ここまで)
(追記) licenses.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/16.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.16<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Explain (追記ここまで) why distribution of binaries is (削除) important.</li>
<li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&r1=1.10&r2=1.11">Version
1.11</a>: Note (削除ここまで) (追記) important.</dd>
<!--#set var='version_link'
 value='<a href="/philosophy/free-sw-history/11.html">' -->
<dt><!--#echo encoding='none' var='version_link' -->Version
1.11<span class="gnun-split"></span><!--#echo encoding='none' var='close_a'
 --></dt>
<dd>Note (追記ここまで) that a free license may require you to send a copy of
versions you distribute to (削除) the author.</li>
</ul> (削除ここまで) (追記) previous developers on request.</dd>
</dl> (追記ここまで)
<p>There are gaps in the version numbers shown above because there are
other changes in this page that do not affect the definition or its
interpretations. For instance, the list does not include changes in
asides, formatting, spelling, punctuation, or other parts of the page.
You can review the complete list of changes to the page through
the <a (削除) href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&view=log">cvsweb (削除ここまで) (追記) href="//web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&view=log">cvsweb (追記ここまで)
interface</a>.</p>
(追記) <div class="column-limit"></div>
<h3 class="footnote">Footnote</h3>
<ol>
<li id="f1">The reason they are numbered 0, 1, 2 and 3 is historical. Around
1990 there were three freedoms, numbered 1, 2 and 3. Then we realized that
the freedom to run the program needed to be mentioned explicitly.
It was clearly more basic than the other three, so it properly should
precede them. Rather than renumber the others, we made it freedom 0.</li>
</ol>
</div> (追記ここまで)
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<p>Please send general FSF & GNU inquiries to
<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><gnu@gnu.org></a>.
There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
the FSF. Broken links and other corrections or suggestions can be sent
to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a>.</p>
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