Software is a set of programs or procedures that allow the computer to function. However, the philosophy that goes into the development of software matters. It can be the difference between a user using the software to his or her ends, or alternatively, software can be designed to use and control the user.
Always Remember, You are the User!
What is Free Software?
Free software means that the software’s users have freedom. Broadly speaking, it means that users are free to use the software and to copy and redistribute the software, with or without changes. More precisely, free software means users have the four essential freedoms:
- The freedom to run the program as you wish, for whatever purpose
- The freedom to study and change the program's "source code", so the program does your computing as you wish
- The freedom to make and distribute exact copies when you wish
- The freedom to make and distribute copies of your modified versions, when you wish
Unlike the material world, software differs in that it is not a scarce resource. In the physical world we have physical objects that are scarce resources. Because software can be copied and changed much more easily than objects that we interact with in the material world; we believe a program’s users should be free to take advantage of them, not solely its developer.
Don't Trust, Verify!
Free software is transparent which prevents it from being malicious. Users are free to study the source code which prevents the persistence of malicious functionalities. If ill intent is built into the software it will be discovered because users are free to view it. The same cannot be said for nonfree software. This is why proprietary software is often malware.
Why it Matters
Are you in search of an easy way to explain to others what free software is and why it matters? Or are you perhaps wondering why you yourself should be concerned about computer-user freedom? If your answer is yes, then this TEDx talk by RMS is what you're looking for!