The Four Essential Freedoms of software are the fundamental principles that define free software, as outlined by the Free Software Foundation and championed by the likes of Richard Stallman and others in the FOSS movement. These freedoms ensure that users have control over the software they use, allowing them to modify, share, and study it. The four freedoms are:
1. The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose. This means you can use the software without any restrictions on its usage, whether it’s for personal, educational, or commercial purposes. This means that the end user can use he softare without limitation, despite any judgement of political or other agenda (as in Red Star Linux, for example).
2. The freedom to study the program and modify it. This freedom gives users access to the source code, allowing them to understand how the software works and make changes to it.
3. The freedom to distribute copies of the program to others. This allows you to share the software with others, whether for free or for a fee, helping spread the software to a wider audience.
4. The freedom to distribute modified versions of the program. This lets you improve the software, fix bugs, or add new features and share those modifications with others, ensuring that improvements are shared and benefit the wider community.
These freedoms are critical because they empower users to control the software they use, foster collaboration, and enable continuous improvement through open participation.
Iron Noder 2024 #6
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