Free Software Foundation (FSF) web page concerning the definition of free software
1. Visit the Free Software Foundation (FSF) web page concerning the definition of free software at http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html(opens in a new tab). Review the content on the website. Write a short paragraph on the meaning of "free software". Be sure to identify the four essential freedoms. In order for freedoms 1 and 3 to be meaningful, what does the FSF feel you need to access? (Please watch the numbering of the freedoms, it’s a little different on the FSF website.)
Sample Solution
In the Free Software Foundation's (FSF) definition, "free software" isn't about price, but about freedom. It grants users four essential freedoms:
- The freedom to run the program for any purpose: This means using the software however you like, not just as the developer intended.
- The freedom to study how the program works and change it: Accessing the source code enables you to understand and modify the software to suit your needs.
- The freedom to redistribute copies to others: Sharing the software freely, with or without modifications, empowers others to benefit from it.
Full Answer Section
- The freedom to improve the program and publish your improvements: Contributing your changes back to the community allows everyone to enjoy the enhanced software.
To truly make these freedoms meaningful, the FSF emphasizes the need for access to the source code. Without the source code, freedoms 2 and 3 become impossible. You can't understand how the software works or modify it if you can't see the underlying code. Therefore, for the FSF, ensuring access to source code is fundamental to the very concept of free software.
This freedom extends beyond simply viewing the code. The ability to share and publish modified versions of the software creates a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute to its improve