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Free software is a matter of freedom, not price. Think of "free" as in "free speech".
Free software means for the users freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom for the software users:
- The freedom to run the program for any purpose (freedom 0).
- The freedom to study how the program works and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this freedom.
- The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
- The freedom to improve the program and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits from them (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
A program is considered free software if users enjoy all of these freedoms. Thus, you should be able to redistribute copies to anyone anywhere, with or without modifications, either for free or charging a fee for their distribution. Being free to do these things means, among other things, that you do not have to ask or pay for permission.
You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them privately at work or play, without even mentioning that they exist. If you publish your changes, you should not be required to notify anyone in any particular way.
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