The Free Software Definition

The Free Software Definition written by Richard Stallman and published by the Free Software Foundation (FSF), defines free software as being software that ensures that the users have freedom in using, studying, sharing and modifying that software. The term "free" is used in the sense of "free speech," not of "free of charge."^[1] The earliest-known publication of the definition was in the February 1986 edition^[2] of the now-discontinued GNU's Bulletin publication by the FSF. The canonical source for the document is in the philosophy section of the GNU Project website. As of April 2008^[update], it is published in 39 languages.^[3] The FSF publishes a list of licences that meet this definition.