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| Free Software Foundation Europe Copyright c 2001, 2002 Free Software Foundation Europe. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, with no Front-Cover Texts, and with no Back-Cover Texts. |
FSFE |
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| This document is primarily a guide for volunteers who would like to present the Free Software Foundation Europe at conferences, forums and similar. It includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding Free Software, FSFE and software patents. | This document is primarily a guide for volunteers who would like to present the [[http://fsfe.org | FSFE]] at conferences, forums and similar. It includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding the FSFE and Free Software. |
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| = FSF & FSF Europe = | = FSFE = |
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| The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) was founded in 2001 as the sister organisation of the Free Software Foundation (FSF) in the USA to take care of all aspects of Free Software in Europe. == Where is FSFE located? == Though operating throughout Europe, the main office of the FSFE is in Germany. The adress is . ''Free Software Foundation Europe e.V.'' . ''Talstraße 110'' . ''40217 Düsseldorf'' . ''Germany'' In addition, there are local chapters in Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, UK, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia and Sweden. == Why is a European FSF necessary? == Looking at the development of Free Software in the last years, it is clear that many important projects have originated in Europe. Because of the difference in judicial systems between Europe and USA it becomes necessary to ensure that legal matters surrounding Free Software are also -confronted- in Europe. This is especially important in regards to ensure that the validity of Free Software licenses like GNU GPL and LGPL apply equally to European law. FSF Europe works together with several legal experts on this issue. |
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a charity founded in 2001 whose mission is to keep the power over technology in your hands. The FSFE works on legal and policy issues related to free software, to ensure each and every one of us can take advantage of the full power of computing, using free software without hindrance. |
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| The Free Software Foundation Europe is currently involved in the following projects: === Open Standards === Lock-in of data is one of the most common techniques to artificially raise the cost of migration to Free Software. Ensuring the best possible interoperability through Open Standards is essential in enabling users to escape vendor lock-in. FSFE's work on Open Standards has the goal of making sure that people do not have to lose all their data when migrating to Free Software. === 7th EC Framework Programme (FP7) === The European Commission funds research and development through official framework programmes (FP for short). From 2007 these framework programmes will be used to select projects for support until 2013. FSFE will play a central role in supported projects related to Free Software. === STACS === STACS (Science, Technology and Civil Society) is a project that seeks to bridge the gap between civil society and research in order to increase the societal relevance of research being done. The project aims to accomplish by educating both civil society organisations and researchers, and finding common projects to work on for the future. === Freedom Task Force (FTF) === The Freedom Task Force is helping individuals, projects and businesses with Free Software licensing. It provides assistance, training and manages networks of technical and legal experts to help in this. The FTF works in partnership with gpl-violations.org to resolve licence issues in the European arena. === Internet Governance Forum (IGF) === The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a global policy discussion forum of the United Nations, established as an outcome of the UN World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). FSFE is following the IGF to ensure that policy discussions will not endanger digital freedom in general and Free Software in particular. === DRM.info === DRM.info is a collaborative platform initiated and maintained by FSFE to inform on the dangers of Digital Restrictions Management and make visible the concerns from various different groups. DRM.info contributors include digital liberty, consumer protection, net-activism and library organisations. === SELF === The SELF project (Science, Education and Learning in Freedom) aims at creating a repository of educational materials on Free Software and Open Standards. It does this by providing a platform for the collaborative development of educational materials, as well as by engaging in the development of educational materials that are missing in the field today. === IPRED2 === A second directive on the enforcement of "intellectual property rights" has been proposed by the European Commission. It aims to criminalise all "intentional, commercial-scale" infringements, and to allow rights-holders to take part investigations. FSFE will be pointing out to the EU institutions how such laws encourage abuse of the legal system and have chilling effects on law-abiding activities. === GPLv3 === The June 29th 2007 release of version 3 of the GNU General Public License (GPL) marked the end of an eighteen month public consultation process. During this time, FSFE worked to raise awareness of the changes proposed for the licence, to help the community to participate in the public consultation, and to document the ongoing discussion to make this topic as accessible as possible. === Fellowship of FSFE === The Fellowship of the Free Software Foundation Europe is a community of people united by their interest in Free Software and freedom in all aspects of the digital age. It is the easiest and most direct way to get involved with, remain informed about and support the work of the Free Software Foundation Europe. This is the place where we all come together. Not least for the cool features, namely the Cryptocard. === World Intellectual Property Organization === The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is one of the 16 specialized agencies of the United Nations system of organisations. Its role is administrating 23 international treates dealing with different aspects of limited monopolies on knowledge. As an observer to WIPO and together with a global coalition of other players with similar goals, FSFE is working towards reshaping it as a "World Intellectual Wealth Organisation." === Microsoft versus European Union citizens === In 2001 the European Union, through the DG Competition of the European Commission (lead by Mr. Mario Monti), started investigating Microsoft's dominant position in the market for desktop operating systems. The Free Software Foundation Europe was invited by the European Commission to represent the interests of the Free Software movement. Since 2004, FSFE is participating in the appeal to again defend competition and freedom of choice against abuses. === Software Patents in Europe === Software patents for Europe are currently being pushed forward actively by a lobby gathering around the European patent office and the Business Software Alliance (BSA), which represents the interests of the large U.S. companies. Software patents are a menace to society and economy and the FSFE is actively involved in the resistance against such plans. |
See https://fsfe.org/campaigns/campaigns.en.html and our web pages in general for detailed information. In particular, it's worth noting the FSFE hosts the largest legal network of free software legal experts (300+ lawyers), we do political lobbying and grass roots engagement towards the European Commission and governments around Europe. We provide education and raise public awareness of Free Software in many ways, including participating at events and running local campaigns. |
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| Due to the lack of common European organisation laws, FSFE is built up as a modular organisation, consisting of a central organisation in Germany and several legally independent chapters in different countries. The central organisation is a non-profit and charitable non-governmental organisation under German jurisdiction to which all members of FSFE belong. Membership in the main organisation is a requirement for being part of a local chapter. The main organisation and the different chapters of FSFE are democratically organised, with all important decisions being decided in cooperation on the European level. This is somewhat of a "legal hack" that makes it possible for FSFE to function as a unified organisation. Administrative positions are filled through elections, usually every two years. | Due to the lack of common European organisation laws, FSFE is formally a central organisation in Germany, but with hundreds of volunteers and thousands supporters throughout all countries in Europe. Most of our work is done in local and thematic teams, with a core team and coordinators team in which all coordinators of the different teams participate. In addition, many core volunteers, who feel strongly connected to the FSFE, are also formally members of the FSFE, meaning they have a controlling function similar to that of a board of directors. The FSFE has an office with roughly five or six full time staff in Berlin, Germany, where also also often have interns joining us for shorter or longer times. We also have some staff, permanent or project, located in other countries. |
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| FSFE is recognised as a sister organisation of FSF, but is legally and organisationally independent. Supporting one FSF will however benefit every other FSF, as all FSF's are working together in cooperation towards common goals. | FSFE is legally and organisationally independent from the FSF. That we share a similar name has some historical relevance, but in practice, we have different leadership, engage in different activities, work with different stakeholders, and have sometimes different ways of working. Both, however, share the common goal of working for free software, and both operate internationally. |
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| FSFE is mainly financed through monetary donations and sale of merchandise, but also gets some funding for specific projects. | FSFE is mainly financed through monetary donations, our supporters and the sale of merchandise. (see http://www.fsfe.org/about/funds/funds.en.html for details) |
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| FSFE has around 100 active members, with some 800 additional supporters through the Fellowship program. | FSFE has around 100 active volunteers across Europe, and a few thousands supporters which support our work financially or through their activities. |
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| The work of FSFE is focused on sustainable long term activities. This requires its members to not only have a great understanding of Free Software, but also to commit to a long term engagement and accepting personal limitations. New members are approved through a voting process and requires a majority of 2/3 of the votes. Membership in the Fellowship program is however open to anyone, but has a yearly fee of 120 EUR (60 EUR for people with low income). | Yes! You can join the FSFE as a supporter, which is a good step towards becoming engaged in our activities. You can also join one of our topical or local teams as a volunteer. Regardless of how you contribute, you're welcome as a part of the FSFE. |
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| == What are the associate organisations of FSFE? == The following organisations are associates of FSFE: |
If you're interested in becoming a formal member of the FSFE e.V., the non-profit central organisation, you can read more about this on the [[Teams/GA]] page. |
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| === Association For Free Software === The Association for Free Software (AFFS) is a membership organisation which promotes and defends Free Software in the UK. === National Association for Free Software === ANSOL is the "National Association for Free Software". It is a Portuguese non-profit association dedicated to the promotion, development, research and study of Computing Freedom and its social, political philosophical, cultural, technical and scientific implications. === Foundation for a Free Information Infrastructure === The FFII is a non-profit association under German law that promotes a sustainable development of public information goods based on copyright, free competition and open standards. === Verein zur Förderung Freier Informationen und Software e.V. === The ffis e.V. is a German non-profit association of Free Software enthusiasts that supports the development and establishment of free information and Free Software with various events and projects. === Free Knowledge Foundation (Fundación Conocimiento Libre) === The FKF is a non-profit organisation based in Spain that promotes the idea of knowledge as a common good accessible by everybody. Its focus is on Free Knowledge, Free Software, Free Standards and Intellectual Wealth. === Free Software Initiative of Japan === A Japanese non-profit association to further Free Software. === Free Software Network Serbia (Mreža za slobodan softver Srbija) === Free Software Network Serbia (FSNS) is organization that is formed and exists in goal to promote and defend free software and GNU philosophy in Serbian public. === Irish Free Software Organisation === The goals of Irish Free Software Organisation (IFSO) are to prevent changes in legislation which would harm Free Software users and developers, and to promote awareness of Free Software among Irish computer users. === KDE e.V. === KDE e.V. is the official body behind the K Desktop Environment. KDE e.V. is a non-profit organisation that handles legal issues for the KDE project, its goal is to support the development and spreading of KDE, the popular graphical desktop environment. === Organisation for Free Software in Education and Teaching === OFSET is a not for profit French international association under the law of 1901. It has been set up in response to the slow development of free educational software for the GNU system. It will promote all possible forms of development and localisations needed by the world wide education system. === Fundacion Via Libre === Fundacion Via Libre -- Argentinian Foundation for Free Software === Vrijschrift === Vrijschrift creates awareness about the economic and social meaning of free knowledge and culture for our society. Vrijschrift fulfills both a protecting and promoting role. Internationally we work together with the Foundation for a Free Information Infrastructure, the Free Software Foundation Europe, Project Gutenberg and a lot of other organisations. === Wilhelm Tux === Wilhelm Tux -- Campaign for Free Software. Swiss non-profit for Free Software. |
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| . • Erstellung, Pflege und Übersetzung der FSF Europe Webseiten. • Übersetzung von Texten für Broschüren, etc. in unterschiedliche Sprachen. • Organisation und Unterstützung von Messeständen durch Freiwillige auf diversen Messen. • Finanzielle Unterstützung durch Spenden. | There are many ways you can contribute to the FSFE. The most obvious are: |
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| Nähere Information unter [?]. | * Maintaining or translating websites. * Translating leaflets and articles. * Organising and participating in booths at conferences. * Donating to FSFE by joining as a supporter. (See also http://www.fsfe.org/contribute/contribute.en.html) |
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| They are, at least in Germany. | They are, at least in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. See http://www.fsfe.org/donate/donate.en.html for details) |
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| === European Level === . Phone (Belgium): ++32 2 747 0357 . Phone (Germany): ++49 700 373387673 (++49 700 FSFEUROPE) . Email (office): office@fsfeurope.org . Email (President): president@fsfeurope.org |
See http://www.fsfe.org/contact/contact.en.html for most recent and updated info. |
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| === Local Contact === ==== Austria ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): austria@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Reinhard Müller ==== Belgium ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): belgium@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Ciarán O'Riordan ==== Switzerland ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): switzerland@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Alex Antener, Maria Carli, Shane M. Coughlan, Georg C. F. Greve, Guillaume Yziquel ==== Germany ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): germany@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Alexander Finkenberger, Karsten Gerloff, Joachim Jakobs, Rainer Kersten, Michael Kesper, Matthias Kirschner, Werner Koch, Bernhard Reiter ==== Spain ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): spain@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Pablo Machón, Xavier Reina ==== United Kingdom ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): uk@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Gareth Bowker ==== Ireland ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): ireland@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Ciarán O'Riordan ==== Italy ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): italy@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Patrick Ohnewein, Giacomo Poderi, Cristian Rigamonti ==== Netherlands ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): netherlands@fsfeurope.org . Currently, there are no core team members in this country ==== Serbia ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): serbia@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Ivan Jelic, Marko Milenovic ==== Sweden ==== . Email (core team members and volunteers): sweden@fsfeurope.org . Core team members in this country: Mathias Klang, Jonas Öberg, Henrik Sandklef, Christof Thim |
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| Each one has a different way of explaining free software, and you should try and see what works for you. You may find our [[https://fsfe.org/campaigns/15years/15years|15 years birthday video]] interesting and a useful starting point. Ultimately, how you explain free software also comes down to who you're talking to. If you want to be technical, you cna mention the following four freedoms, which define free software. But often you don't need to talk about the four freedoms unless you're specifically asked what the parameters are for something to be free software. |
|
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| 1. The freedom to run the program, for any purpose. . Placing restrictions on the use of Free Software, such as time ("30 days trial period", "license expires January 1st, 2004") purpose ("permission granted for research and non-commercial use", "may not be used for benchmarking") or geographic area ("must not be used in country X") makes a program non-free. 2. The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs. . Placing legal or practical restrictions on the comprehension or modification of a program, such as mandatory purchase of special licenses, signing of a Non-Disclosure-Agreement (NDA) or - for programming languages that have multiple forms or representation - making the preferred human way of comprehending and editing a program ("source code") inaccessible also makes it proprietary (non-free). Without the freedom to modify a program, people will remain at the mercy of a single vendor. 3. The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor. . Software can be copied/distributed at virtually no cost. If you are not allowed to give a program to a person in need, that makes a program non-free. This can be done for a charge, if you so choose. 4. The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits. . Not everyone is an equally good programmer in all fields. Some people don't know how to program at all. This freedom allows those who do not have the time or skills to solve a problem to indirectly access the freedom to modify. This can be done for a charge. |
1. '''The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.''' . ''Placing restrictions on the use of Free Software, such as time ("30 days trial period", "license expires January 1st, 2004") purpose ("permission granted for research and non-commercial use", "may not be used for benchmarking") or geographic area ("must not be used in country X") makes a program non-free.'' 2. '''The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.''' . ''Placing legal or practical restrictions on the comprehension or modification of a program, such as mandatory purchase of special licenses, signing of a Non-Disclosure-Agreement (NDA) or - for programming languages that have multiple forms or representation - making the preferred human way of comprehending and editing a program ("source code") inaccessible also makes it proprietary (non-free). Without the freedom to modify a program, people will remain at the mercy of a single vendor.'' 3. '''The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.''' . ''Software can be copied/distributed at virtually no cost. If you are not allowed to give a program to a person in need, that makes a program non-free. This can be done for a charge, if you so choose.'' 4. '''The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.''' . ''Not everyone is an equally good programmer in all fields. Some people don't know how to program at all. This freedom allows those who do not have the time or skills to solve a problem to indirectly access the freedom to modify. This can be done for a charge.'' |
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| Wichtige Punkte sind: • Der Begriff „Frei“ bezieht sich auf „Freiheit“ und nicht auf den Preis einer Software – Frei, wie in Freiheit, nicht wie in Freibier. • Freie Software schließt Kommerzialität (siehe ??) nicht aus, d. h. es kann durchaus Geld für das jeweilige Softwareprodukt verlangt werden. • Der Gegensatz Freier Software ist nicht-freie oder proprietäre Software. Siehe auch ausführliche Beschreibung unter [?]. 2.2 Wo liegen die Unterschiede zwischen Freier Software, Public Domain, Shareware, Freeware, etc. ? Hierzu gibt es ein Dokument, das aus dem GNU Projekt hervorgegangen ist und die Unterschiede be- schreibt. Zu finden ist es unter [?]. 2.3 Was ist die GNU GPL? GPL steht für „General Public License“. Die GPL ist aus dem GNU Projekt hervorgegangen, daher bezeichnet man sie besser als GNU GPL. Die GNU GPL ist eine Free Software Lizenz die die Freiheiten der ihr unterstellten Software Produkte schützt. Im Gegensatz zu einigen anderen Free Software Lizenzen ist die GNU GPL mit einem Copyleft (siehe ??) ausgestattet. 2.4 Was versteht man unter einem Copyleft Verbreitet der Author eine Software unter der GNU GPL, so ist derjenige, der zu einem späteren Zeit- punkt Änderungen oder Verbesserungen an dieser Software durchführt verpflichtet diese ebenfalls unter der GNU GPL zu vertreiben. Dieser Mechanismus wird als Copyleft bezeichnet, der die in der „Free Software Definition“ definierten Freiheiten schützt, und somit sicher stellt, dass die Community davon profitieren kann. 2 FREIE SOFTWARE 7 2.5 Was ist die LGPL? LGPL steht für „Lesser General Public License“ (früher bekannt als „Library General Public License“). Die LGPL ist aus dem GNU Projekt hervorgegangen, daher bezeichnet man sie besser als GNU LG- PL. Der Unterschied zur GNU GPL ist, dass eine unter der GNU LGPL veröffentlichte Software unter bestimmten Bedingungen zusammen mit proprietärer (also nicht Freier Software) genutzt werden kann. Die LGPL wird häufig, aber nicht ausschließlich für Bibliotheken verwendet. Lizenz: siehe [?] 2.6 Gibt es eine Übersicht über GPL kompatible und GPL inkompatible Lizenzen? Eine Liste mit entsprechenden Erklärungen findet sich unter [?]. |
Important points to note are: * The term "Free" refers to Freedom, not price. * The opposite of Free Software is proprietary or non-free software. * Free Software places no restrictions on commercial use. == What is the difference between Free Software, Public Domain, Shareware, Freeware and Open Source? == Among these categories, only Free Software and Open Source actually ensures that any user has the freedom to modify the software and distribute her or his changes. While a computer program in Public Domain would be freely distributable, the lack of available source code would render it non-free according to the definition of Free Software. Shareware and Freeware are generally used to describe proprietary (non-free) software that can be downloaded free of charge and have nothing to do with Free Software. Not only are Shareware and Freeware provided without any source code, they are also often licenced in a way that even further distribution might be illegal. It's important to point out that Free Software and Open Source means the same software. The FSFE prefer to speak of free software, and try to be consistent in this. We do not, however, consider there to be any difference between the two terms. The tension is often not between free software and open source but between free and open source proponents and these who say free or open source but mean something less. Any chance we can get to point out that free software and open source are the same, the better. It mitigates the feeling of a division in the community and encourages the community to stand together against those who try to disrupt our work. ---- [[Category/Booth]] [[Category/Faq]] |
Booth Volunteer FAQ
FSFE
Abstract
This document is primarily a guide for volunteers who would like to present the FSFE at conferences, forums and similar. It includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding the FSFE and Free Software.
Contents
-
FSFE
- What is the Free Software Foundation Europe?
- What does FSFE do?
- How is FSFE organised?
- Is FSFE independent from FSF in USA?
- How is FSFE financed?
- How many people are part of FSFE?
- Is it possible to become a member of FSFE?
- How can I support FSFE?
- Are donations to FSFE tax-deductable?
- How do I contact FSFE?
- Free Software
FSFE
What is the Free Software Foundation Europe?
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a charity founded in 2001 whose mission is to keep the power over technology in your hands. The FSFE works on legal and policy issues related to free software, to ensure each and every one of us can take advantage of the full power of computing, using free software without hindrance.
What does FSFE do?
See https://fsfe.org/campaigns/campaigns.en.html and our web pages in general for detailed information. In particular, it's worth noting the FSFE hosts the largest legal network of free software legal experts (300+ lawyers), we do political lobbying and grass roots engagement towards the European Commission and governments around Europe. We provide education and raise public awareness of Free Software in many ways, including participating at events and running local campaigns.
How is FSFE organised?
Due to the lack of common European organisation laws, FSFE is formally a central organisation in Germany, but with hundreds of volunteers and thousands supporters throughout all countries in Europe. Most of our work is done in local and thematic teams, with a core team and coordinators team in which all coordinators of the different teams participate. In addition, many core volunteers, who feel strongly connected to the FSFE, are also formally members of the FSFE, meaning they have a controlling function similar to that of a board of directors.
The FSFE has an office with roughly five or six full time staff in Berlin, Germany, where also also often have interns joining us for shorter or longer times. We also have some staff, permanent or project, located in other countries.
Is FSFE independent from FSF in USA?
FSFE is legally and organisationally independent from the FSF. That we share a similar name has some historical relevance, but in practice, we have different leadership, engage in different activities, work with different stakeholders, and have sometimes different ways of working. Both, however, share the common goal of working for free software, and both operate internationally.
How is FSFE financed?
FSFE is mainly financed through monetary donations, our supporters and the sale of merchandise. (see http://www.fsfe.org/about/funds/funds.en.html for details)
How many people are part of FSFE?
FSFE has around 100 active volunteers across Europe, and a few thousands supporters which support our work financially or through their activities.
Is it possible to become a member of FSFE?
Yes! You can join the FSFE as a supporter, which is a good step towards becoming engaged in our activities. You can also join one of our topical or local teams as a volunteer. Regardless of how you contribute, you're welcome as a part of the FSFE.
If you're interested in becoming a formal member of the FSFE e.V., the non-profit central organisation, you can read more about this on the Teams/GA page.
How can I support FSFE?
There are many ways you can contribute to the FSFE. The most obvious are:
- Maintaining or translating websites.
- Translating leaflets and articles.
- Organising and participating in booths at conferences.
- Donating to FSFE by joining as a supporter.
(See also http://www.fsfe.org/contribute/contribute.en.html)
Are donations to FSFE tax-deductable?
They are, at least in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. See http://www.fsfe.org/donate/donate.en.html for details)
How do I contact FSFE?
See http://www.fsfe.org/contact/contact.en.html for most recent and updated info.
Free Software
What is Free Software?
Each one has a different way of explaining free software, and you should try and see what works for you. You may find our 15 years birthday video interesting and a useful starting point. Ultimately, how you explain free software also comes down to who you're talking to. If you want to be technical, you cna mention the following four freedoms, which define free software. But often you don't need to talk about the four freedoms unless you're specifically asked what the parameters are for something to be free software.
Free Software is defined through 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.
Placing restrictions on the use of Free Software, such as time ("30 days trial period", "license expires January 1st, 2004") purpose ("permission granted for research and non-commercial use", "may not be used for benchmarking") or geographic area ("must not be used in country X") makes a program non-free.
The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.
Placing legal or practical restrictions on the comprehension or modification of a program, such as mandatory purchase of special licenses, signing of a Non-Disclosure-Agreement (NDA) or - for programming languages that have multiple forms or representation - making the preferred human way of comprehending and editing a program ("source code") inaccessible also makes it proprietary (non-free). Without the freedom to modify a program, people will remain at the mercy of a single vendor.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
Software can be copied/distributed at virtually no cost. If you are not allowed to give a program to a person in need, that makes a program non-free. This can be done for a charge, if you so choose.
The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.
Not everyone is an equally good programmer in all fields. Some people don't know how to program at all. This freedom allows those who do not have the time or skills to solve a problem to indirectly access the freedom to modify. This can be done for a charge.
Important points to note are:
- The term "Free" refers to Freedom, not price.
- The opposite of Free Software is proprietary or non-free software.
- Free Software places no restrictions on commercial use.
What is the difference between Free Software, Public Domain, Shareware, Freeware and Open Source?
Among these categories, only Free Software and Open Source actually ensures that any user has the freedom to modify the software and distribute her or his changes.
While a computer program in Public Domain would be freely distributable, the lack of available source code would render it non-free according to the definition of Free Software.
Shareware and Freeware are generally used to describe proprietary (non-free) software that can be downloaded free of charge and have nothing to do with Free Software. Not only are Shareware and Freeware provided without any source code, they are also often licenced in a way that even further distribution might be illegal.
It's important to point out that Free Software and Open Source means the same software. The FSFE prefer to speak of free software, and try to be consistent in this. We do not, however, consider there to be any difference between the two terms. The tension is often not between free software and open source but between free and open source proponents and these who say free or open source but mean something less.
Any chance we can get to point out that free software and open source are the same, the better. It mitigates the feeling of a division in the community and encourages the community to stand together against those who try to disrupt our work.