Week 8: Response to Content

What is the Difference Between Free and Open Software?

Free Software is defined by Richard Stallmans Free Software Foundation as:

“Free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech,” not as in “free beer.” Free software is a matter of the users’ freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:

• 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.
• 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. (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this. (Wheeler 2007)

Free Software means that you are free to do whatever you want to do whenever you want, to the associated software. Free to make modifications to the software and to redistribute copies without needing permission from anyone in particular, or in any particular way.

(Picture from: http://davefaq.com)

Open Source Software is has a very similar definition, "includes free software, but also some proprietary programs, where you can access the source code. It is said that 'open source software' is a marketing term for 'free software' however according to the open sourse software definition, the software must meet the following criteria:

1. Free Distribution
2. Source Code
3. Derived Works
4. ingregrity of the Authors Source Code
5. no Discrimination Against Persons or Groups
6. No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor
7. Distribution of License
8. License Must ot Be Specific to a Product
9. The License Must Not Restrict Other Software and,
10. No Provision of the License Must Be Predicted

The difference between the two is that 'free software' is completely free both in terms of money and freedom. You are entitled to do whatever you want to that software at any time and redistribute without mentioning so or paying a fee. 'Open source' software is not entirely free in terms of 'freedom'; there are certain limitations and regulations in modifying and distributing the works made to such software.

Sources:

Open Source and Free Software, image, viewed 20 September 2011.
<http://davefaq.com/Opinions/OpenSource.html>

Wheeler, D 2007. Why Open Source Software / Free Software (OSS/FS, FLOSS, or FOSS)? Viewed 20 September 2011.
<http://www.dwheeler.com/oss_fs_why.html#definitions>

GNU Operating System (date unknown) Why “Free Software” is better than “Open Source. Viewed 20 September 2011.
<http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html>