Free as in Freedom

Discussions repeatedly clarify that 'free software' refers to freedom (libre, speech) rather than zero cost (gratis, beer), distinguishing it from freeware and referencing Stallman/FSF definitions.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Open Source

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fsflover (38) sneak (23) cyphar (19) diffeomorphism (16) davexunit (15)

Keywords

FOSS point.html GPL point.h IS www.fsf fsfe.org www.gnu i.e freesoftware.en free free software software software free speech beer free speech freedom libre free free

Sample Comments

Void_ • Oct 26, 2014 • View on HN

Can someone explain to me how can software be "free as in freedom"?

0815test • Mar 31, 2019 • View on HN

The "free" in free software is about freedom, not getting stuff free-of-charge.

freetard • Dec 1, 2009 • View on HN

It's free as in free speech, not free beer.

PakG1 • Mar 1, 2019 • View on HN

Just to be clear, free as in freedom, not beer.

fsflover • Dec 22, 2020 • View on HN

Free as in freedom, not price: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software.

rhaps0dy • Oct 29, 2015 • View on HN

Careful with words. It's not freeware, it's free software.

craftyguy • Dec 22, 2020 • View on HN

They mean 'free' as in freedom, not 'free' as in beer. There's a (huge) difference.

s1291 • Apr 18, 2022 • View on HN

"Free" in Free Software doesn't mean 0$ cost.

mkesper • Dec 19, 2016 • View on HN

That's not free as in freedom 0: http://fsfe.org/about/basics/freesoftware.en.html

davexunit • Oct 15, 2013 • View on HN

You misunderstand: Free as in speech.