010-160 · Question #100
Which of the following statements is true about Free Software?
The correct answer is B. It may be modified by anyone using it. Free Software, as defined by the Free Software Foundation, grants users four essential freedoms including the freedom to modify the software for any purpose.
Question
Options
- AIt is developed by volunteers only.
- BIt may be modified by anyone using it.
- CIt must always be available free of charge.
- DIt only runs on Linux.
- EIt is only distributed as a compiled binary.
How the community answered
(49 responses)- A2% (1)
- B92% (45)
- C2% (1)
- D4% (2)
Why each option
Free Software, as defined by the Free Software Foundation, grants users four essential freedoms including the freedom to modify the software for any purpose.
Free Software can be developed, maintained, and sold by paid commercial developers; the 'free' refers to user freedoms, not the development model.
The FSF defines Free Software by four freedoms: to run the program, to study and change it (freedom 1 and 3), to redistribute copies, and to distribute modified versions. The freedom to modify the software by any user is a core and non-negotiable part of the Free Software definition, regardless of whether any fee is charged.
Free Software may be sold for a fee; 'free' in this context means freedom (libre), not zero cost (gratis) - the FSF explicitly states that free software can be sold.
Free Software is platform-agnostic and runs on any operating system that supports the software, including Windows, macOS, and others.
Free Software must include or make available the source code, since freedom to study and modify the program requires access to source - distributing only compiled binaries without source violates the Free Software definition.
Concept tested: Free Software Foundation definition of Free Software freedoms
Source: https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html
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