ilmaisimesta

Ilmaisimesta, also known as free software, refers to software that is distributed with the freedom to use, study, modify, and distribute the software, and to distribute modified versions of the software. This concept is based on the four essential freedoms outlined by the Free Software Foundation (FSF):

1. The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose.

2. The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.

3. The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others.

4. The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.

Free software is typically distributed under a free software license, which ensures these freedoms are preserved. Examples of free software licenses include the GNU General Public License (GPL) and the MIT License. The term "free" in free software refers to freedom, not price; free software can be sold, but it must comply with the freedoms outlined above.

Free software is often contrasted with proprietary software, which is software that is not distributed with these freedoms. Proprietary software is typically distributed under a software license that restricts the user's freedoms.

The free software movement was initiated by Richard Stallman in the 1980s, with the goal of promoting software freedom and preventing software hoarding. Today, free software is widely used in various fields, including operating systems, web browsers, and office suites.