Miscellaneous > The Lounge
How to explain Free Software to people?
H_TeXMeX_H:
That's a tough one ... but the gnu page ^^^ (piratePenguin posted it) seems to be the clearest way to explain it ...
--- Quote --- 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 to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
* The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
* The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
* The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms. Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either gratis 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.
--- End quote ---
inane:
I pretty much explain it the way that aloone described... you'll be pleasantly surprised by how many people DO understand what you're saying.
mobrien_12:
Well the links are really good, and I'll put them on my webpage.
As for what to say in four or five sentences, based on your suggestions, what do you think about this:
--- Quote ---
Free software is licenced to be used by anyone. Anyone can look at the source code. Anyone can make changes to the program if they want to, but most Free software requires that those changes must also be Free software. You can give away, or sell Free Software, but you must include source code and anyone who gets it also can sell it or give it away.
--- End quote ---
?
If this gets them interested, I can give them more details, including the philosophy in a nutshell.
Aloone_Jonez:
Still no good if they don't even know what source code means.
toadlife:
Just say it's free. Not free-ware - just 'free'. People that don't even know what source code is aren't going to give a rats ass about source being avaiable or the license attached to it. Tell them it's free and later on maybe, with their new free browser you told them about, they might go out on the net and figure it out themselves.
Oh, and Firefox isn't licensed under the GPL.
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