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The Free Software Definition

http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

Most of the proprietary software licenses aim at preventing you from trading or modifying them. Conversely, Free software is a matter of 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 for anyone to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
  • The freedom to learn how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a prerequisite.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies of the software and its source code so you can help your neighbour (freedom 2).
  • The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the general public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a prerequisite.

A program is free software if users have all these freedoms. Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either free of charge or charging a fee for distribution, to anyone anywhere. Being free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay for permission.

But what is the purpose of having access to the source code?

On one hand, that allows anyone to analyse the operation of the program, which guarantees you that its code deals respectfully with your personal information.
In addition, one of the problems of the proprietary software (of which the source code is unavailable) is that they tend to use “closed” formats to store your data. As the editor ceases supporting the old versions of the software, you will have to update your version, with often some significant cost, in order to preserve the access to your data. This process does not occur with the free software, because when the code that processes the files is available, one can easily write an import filter to the newer version of the software, which ensures you with the constant accessibility to your data.
Finally, opening access to the source code tends to generate broad communities of voluntary developers, often volunteers, who provide the world with free quality software, such as those installed on the FramaKey.

Livret Du Libre

To find out more about the Free World, read the excellent “Livret Du Libre” (in french so far), available online (or in Pdf file format) on the site HTTP://www.livretdulibre.org/