The time period “freeware” has no clear accepted definition, however it’s commonly used for packages which enable redistribution however not modification . These packages aren’t free software, so please don’t use “freeware” to discuss with free software.
In the previous we subdivided nonfree software program into “semifree software,” which might be modified and redistributed noncommercially, and “proprietary software program,” which couldn’t be. But we have dropped that distinction and now use “proprietary software” as synonymous with nonfree software program. Its use, redistribution or modification is prohibited, or requires you to ask for permission, or is restricted so much that you simply effectively cannot do it freely. The FSF doesn’t accept copyright assignments of software that’s not an official GNU bundle, as a rule. Some GNU software program was written by staff of the Free Software Foundation, however most GNU software program comes from manyvolunteers. Most GNU software program is copylefted, … Read More
