Characteristics of Free Software

• Any software can be Free
  • GNU/Linux, Apache, Gcc, Perl
    Examples for system related software
  • KDE, OpenOffice.org, Gimp
    Examples for applications
  • Software for router, mobile phones, ...
    Examples for embedded system
    Shows how deep software is integrated in our every day life
• The actual product is gratis
  However: Price plays a role, but is not crucial
• Source code is available
  Important for the most of the following four rights, which every user of Free Software has
  • Software may be used for any purpose
  • The sources may be studied and changed
  • The software may be distributed arbitrarily
  • Changed versions may be distributed arbitrarily

Free in the sense of freedom