What Is Free Software?

● Most software is distributed in a format thatmakes it impossible or impractical to modifyits behaviour. It does not allow copying orredistribution.

● Free Software is software that is free fromthese technical and legal restrictions.

Why Is Free Software Important?

● Free Software is about empowering people,instead of taking away their rights.

● Developers don't build adware or spyware intoFree Software.

● Everyone benefits from advances in FreeSoftware technology.

Who Supports Free Software?

● Companies like IBM and Novell.● Governments in countries like the UK and

Germany.● Foundations like Free Software Foundation

North America (www.fsf.org) and FreeSoftware Foundation Europe (www.fsfeurope.org).

● Individuals like you.

What's The Catch?

● Free Software vs Open Source, two differentideas that lead to confusion.

● Companies like SCO claim that code wasstolen by Free Software developers.

● The emergence of DRM and patents, and awider attempt to restrict the development ofsoftware to those with large amounts ofmoney.

What's Happening Now?

● The Free Software movement is dealing withissues like DRM and patents by creating anew Free Software license: GPL version 3.

● The SCO case is falling apart because it hasno evidence to support it.

● Free Software adoption is growing, despitemisinformation and confusion with non-freeOpen Source initiatives

What Can You Do To Help?

● You can help by using Free Software.● You can help by spreading Free Software.● You can help by developing Free Software.● You can help by setting up local Free Software

advocacy groups.● You can help by getting involved with the Free

Software Foundation Europe.

Links

● Free Software Foundation Europewww.fsfeurope.org

● Fellowship of FSFEwww.fsfe.org

● Information about GPL version 3www.ifso.ie/documents/rms-gplv3-2006-02-25.html