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Free software is software for which you have the source code and whose license allows this code to be passed on – whether modified or not. The opposite is known as “proprietary” software.
However, access to the source code alone does not necessarily mean that software is “free”, and free access has nothing to do with free of charge. Thus, free software is not freeware or shareware, and software whose source code is available is not necessarily free.
The definition of “free software” refers to the fact that users are free to run, copy, distribute, study, modify and improve the software. More precisely it refers to four types of freedom for the software user :
- Freedom to run the program – for whatever use.
- Freedom to examine how the program works and adapt it to your needs. This freedom requires access to the source code.
- Freedom to redistribute copies.
- Freedom to improve the program and publish these improvements – to the benefit of the entire community. This freedom again requires access to the source code.
(from Winlibre)
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You are Free to Charge for the software if you wish
Yeah and depending on the license you’re also obliged to include the source code.
Software is a service industry, not a product industry! It’s a fine line but businesses are coming to realise the service model is more appropriate.
I dig free software because it’s good for learning, and… *nix totally rocks! Less costs for running your business if your staff aren’t complete lackeys too :)
So let me get this strait, I am a software developer … I have the (optional) privilege of charging for “Free” software … but the “advantage” is that I get to give away the source code too? ... how do I make a living?
Oh that’s right by charging for “service”. So I basically am chained to my business and can only ever earn money based on the hours in a day. Sounds like a great deal (for everyone else).