Re: [Fsfe-uk] Software patent - any action?

[Chris Lale]

Thanks for the comments.

Chris Croughton wrote:
> On Tue, Dec 31, 2002 at 01:44:18PM +0000, Chris Lale wrote:
>
>
> > I also want to explain the meaning of free software to a lay person in 
> > my letters. I would welcome comments on the following text, especially 
> > where I have made mistakes.
> >
> > -------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Open-source software and free software are the same in practical terms. 
> > They both use the same licence (GPL).
>
>
> Er, no.  Much, possibly most free and open source software does not use
> the GPL (the whole of the BSD code, for a start).  The FSF recognises a
> whole set of licences which are compatible with the GPL, and even more
> which are "open source" (and possibly even 'free') but are not
> compatible with the GPL.
>
> It is even arguable that the GPL itself is not as 'free' as, say, the
> BSD licence, since it forces programmers using GPL software to use the
> same licence for their own code in some circumstances.

OK. The EU (and the UK government) claim to promote the use of "open 
source" software. There is no mention of "free software" in 
http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/oee/oee.nsf/sections/frameworks-oss-policy/$file/oss-policy.htm. 
I am trying to make a connection between the two. In what way(s) are 
"open source" and "free software" similar?


> > Their philosophy is different. 
> > Free software is defined in terms of freedoms (freedom to run, study, 
> > adapt, redistribute and improve a program). Open-source software is
>
>
> may be
>
>
> > defined in practical terms (rights attached to a program must allow 
> > redistribution and derived works, avoid descrimination, must not be 
> > specific to a product or restrict other software, must be technology 
> > neutral).
>
>
> Free software is always open source.  The reverse is not always true.

Good point. Easy to understand.




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