Free Software

Free Software is software that allows free and unrestricted use, but does not waive intellectual property rights. It is provided through platforms such as the internet. Free Software is also known as FLOSS. Other types of software include Shareware, Public Domain Software, and proprietary software.

The Free Software Foundation defines Free Software as software that respects the freedom of users and the community. In simple terms, it means that users have the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, modify, and improve the software. More information can be found on the What is Free Software? - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation webpage .

There are four fundamental freedoms associated with Free Software:

1. The freedom to run the program for any purpose (zeroth freedom).

2. The freedom to study how the program works and modify it as needed (first freedom). Access to the source code is a prerequisite for this freedom.

3. The freedom to redistribute copies and help others (second freedom).

4. The freedom to distribute modified versions (third freedom). This provides an opportunity for changes to benefit the entire community. Access to the source code is a prerequisite for this freedom.