Free software, according to the definition created by Free Software
Foundation is any computer program that can be used, copied, studied and
redistributed with some restrictions. The freedom of such guidelines is
central to the concept, which is opposed to software proprietor's
concept, but not to the software that is sold longing for profit
(commercial software). The usual way of distribution of free software is
to enclose to this a license of free software, and to turn the code
source of the available program.
Definition
A software
is considered as free when he/she assists to the four types of freedom
for the users of the software defined by Free Software Foundation:
* The freedom to execute the program, for any purpose (freedom no. 0);
*
The freedom of studying as the program works, and to adapt him/it for
their needs (freedom no. 1). I access to the code-source is a
prerequisite for this freedom;
* The freedom of redistributing, besides to sell, copies so that you can help to his/her close one (freedom no. 2);
*
The freedom of modifying the program, and to liberate these
modifications, so that the whole community benefits (freedom no. 3). I
access to the code-source is a prerequisite for this freedom;
The
freedom of executing the program means the freedom for any natural
person type or juridical to use the software in how many machines he/she
wants, in any type of system computacional, for any work type or
activity, without any restriction imposed by the supplier.
The
freedom of redistributing the compiled program, that is in binary
format, necessarily includes the compulsory nature of making available
their code-source. In case the software comes to be modified and the
author of the modification wants to distribute him/it, gratuitously or
no, it will also be obligatory the distribution of the code source of
the modifications, since they come to integrate the program. It is not
necessary the author's authorization or of the distributor of the
software so that he can be redistributed, since the software licenses
liberate allow like this him/it.
So that it is possible to study or to modify the software (for
private use or to distribute) is necessary to have access to the
code-source. Therefore the readiness of those files is prerequisite for
the freedom of the software. Each license determines how it will be made
the supply of the code source for typical distributions, as it is only
the case of distributions in portable media with the binary codes
concluded (without the source) already. In the case of the license GPL,
the source should be made available at place from where can be accessed,
or it should be given to the user, if requested, without additional
(except transport and media) costs.
For those freedoms to be real,
they should be irrevocable. In case the desenvolvedor of the software
has the power to revoke the license, the software is not free.
Most of the free softwares is licensed through a license of free software, as to GNU GPL, the more acquaintance.
Author: Luis Miguel - About the Author:
Luis miguel love software especially the POS Software system. Visit this at POS Software system and see the Pos Software
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