Free Software

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Free Software

Free Software refers to software that grants users the freedom to run, study, modify, and redistribute the software without restrictions. Unlike proprietary software, Free Software advocates for the sharing and accessibility of knowledge and empowers users to control the software they use.

What does Free Software mean?

Free Software, as defined by the Free Software Foundation (FSF), is software that respects the user’s freedoms. These freedoms include:

  • The freedom to run the Program, for any purpose.
  • The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your friends and neighbors.
  • The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.

Free Software is not the same as freeware. Freeware is software that is available without charge, but it may not allow users to modify or redistribute it. Free Software, on the other hand, gives users the freedom to do anything they want with the software, including using it, modifying it, and distributing it.

Applications

Free Software has a wide range of applications in technology today. It is used in operating systems, web browsers, office suites, and many other types of software. Some of the most popular Free Software applications include:

  • GNU/Linux: A free and open-source operating system that is used by millions of people around the world.
  • Mozilla Firefox: A free and open-source web browser that is used by millions of people around the world.
  • LibreOffice: A free and open-source office suite that is used by millions of people around the world.
  • VLC Media Player: A free and open-source media player that is used by millions of people around the world.

Free Software is important in technology today because it gives users the freedom to control their own computers. With Free Software, users are not locked into Proprietary Software that can only be used for specific purposes. Free Software also allows users to share software with their friends and neighbors, which can be helpful for users who don’t have the money to buy proprietary software.

History

The history of Free Software can be traced back to the 1970s, when a group of hackers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began to develop a free and open-source operating system called Unix. Unix was later adopted by other hackers around the world, and it eventually became the foundation for many of the operating systems that we use today.

In the 1980s, the Free Software movement began to take shape. Richard Stallman, a hacker who had worked on Unix at MIT, founded the FSF in 1985. The FSF’s mission is to promote the development and use of Free Software.

In the 1990s, the Free Software movement gained momentum. The GNU Project, which had been started by Stallman in 1983, released the GNU General Public License (GPL) in 1991. The GPL is a free software license that protects the freedoms of users.

The GPL was adopted by many other Free Software projects, and it has become the most popular free software license in the world. Today, Free Software is used by millions of people around the world. It is an important part of the technology landscape, and it plays a vital role in the development of new and innovative software.