FreeLibre

FreeLibre is a term used to describe software that is both free as in freedom (libre) and free as in cost (gratis). This concept is central to the free software movement, which emphasizes user liberty and collaborative development. Free software is defined by four essential freedoms: the freedom to run the program for any purpose, the freedom to study how the program works and change it, the freedom to redistribute copies, and the freedom to distribute copies of modified versions.

The distinction between "free as in freedom" and "free as in cost" is crucial. While much free software is also available at no cost, the core principle is the freedom it grants to users. Software that is "gratis" but not "libre" might be free to download and use, but users are restricted from modifying, distributing, or studying its source code. Such software is often referred to as freeware.

The term FreeLibre aims to clarify this distinction, ensuring that the emphasis remains on the ethical and philosophical underpinnings of user control and open access to software. Many prominent operating systems and applications are considered FreeLibre, fostering innovation and a collaborative digital commons. The development and promotion of FreeLibre software are driven by communities and organizations dedicated to protecting user freedoms in the digital realm.