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Open Source vs. Free Software

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flap:
Free software refers to the freedom of the users of a piece of software to change, share and redistribute that software. These freedoms include (from gnu.org):

 
quote: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.
--- End quote ---


The Open Source philosopohy basically only demands freedom 1 (the freedom to study the source code), and even then only partially. This is because the Open Source movement is only really interested in the immediate practical benefits of making source code available. They're not interested in the other freedoms. Open Source is a small subset of the ideas of Free Software and it doesn't go far enough.

In terms of how the two philosophies can be applied to different licences; well, the GPL, for example, is a free software licence. Essentially the only restriction with GPL code is that it cannot be incorporated into non-free programs. The Apple APSL licence, on the other hand, is an "open source" licence. While you have the right to study the source code, there are a number of restrictions that make it non-free.

If you're 'ignorant', or confused, it's because the open source movement has confused the issue with their apolitical philosophy. To avoid confusion, I would suggest to people that they forget "open source" and promote Free Software instead.

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