<big><bold> We speak about Free Software

Free Software is often referred to as "Open Source." This is a result
of an attempt by the Open Source Initiative (OSI) to create a
marketing campaign for Free Software.

The OSI had the intention to maintain the integrity of the movement
and prevent abuse by proprietary vendors by introducing a trademark
for Free Software.

Looking at the development of the Open Source Initative for three
years, it becomes apparent that the reasons to prefer the term Free
Software have become even more true. Speaking of Free Software or the
equivalent term in other languages offers many advantages that this
document seeks to explain.


<bold> "Free Software" is easier to understand

Many languages have separate terms referring to freedom and price. In
these languages, the term "free" is not ambiguous. It may be in
others, including English, but in those misunderstandings can easily
be avoided by pointing out that free refers to freedom, not price.

Although access to the source code is a precondition for two of the
freedoms, access to the source code alone is not enough. Free Software
avoids catering to this relatively common misunderstanding.


<bold> Free Software is harder to abuse

Unfortunately many companies have started calling their products "Open
Source" if at least some parts of the source code can be seen. Users
buy this software in the belief to purchase something "as good as
GNU/Linux" because it claims to follow the same principle.

We should not allow proprietary vendors to abuse peoples enthusiasm
like this. Since the "Open Source" trademarking initiative failed,
there is no way to prevent abuse of the term.


<bold> Free Software is well-defined

Experience in science and philosophy has shown that a good and concise
definition is to be preferred.

The Free Software Definition of the Free Software Foundation with its
four freedoms is the clearest definition existing today.


<bold> Free Software provides additional value

Unlike Open Source, Free Software provides more than just a technical
model how to develop better software, it provides a
philosophy. Companies can profit and learn from the philosophy and
background of Free Software.


<bold> Free Software offers freedom

Free Software provides the freedoms to 
 - run the program, for any purpose.
 - study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.
 - redistribute copies.
 - improve the program, and release your improvements to the public,
   so that the whole community benefits.

Because of these four freedoms, Free Software offers freedom to learn,
freedom to teach, freedom of competition, freedom of speech and
freedom of choice.

Freedom counts!


For all these reasons we made the conscious decision to avoid the term
Open Source and speak of Free Software or the equivalent term in other
languages.

We encourage you to make the same decision.


An initative of the
Free Software Foundation Europe
and the Free Software Foundation


<bold> We speak about Free Software

Alcove
Intevation
Lolix

