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Software Licenses   >   Open Source   >   Glossary   >   Free Software

Free Software


Free Software, as defined by the Free Software Foundation, is software which is licensed in a method that provides the following four freedoms (numbered from zero), and for which access to the source code is considered a precondition (in particular a precondition for freedoms 1 and 3):
  1. To run the program, for any purpose
  2. To study how the program works, and to adapt it for your needs
  3. To redistribute copies
  4. To improve the program and to release your improvements to the public
In practical terms, most Open Source software may also be considered be free software, and vice-versa. As a result, Free Software and Open Source software are often placed together in a combined category named either Free/Open-Source Software ("FOSS") or Free/Libre/Open-Source Software ("FLOSS").

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