Free software

Free software is a type of software that grants users the right to access and modify code subject to certain conditions. Traditional proprietary software is distributed with limited or no access to the underlying source code, while free software allows anyone to legally access and modify the source code. This type of software is made available freely and legally in an attempt to increase the productivity of the user, as well as preserve users’ freedom and rights when it comes to the software they are using.

Free software is typically released under a software license which outlines the user’s rights. Often times, the license respects the user’s four essential freedoms:

* Freedom to run the software for any purpose
* Freedom to study how the software works, and to adapt it as necessary
* Freedom to copy and distribute the software
* Freedom to modify the software to suit a particular need

Free software is developed by collaborative communities, both online and in person, and is not owned by a single person or organization. This allows the software to be constantly improved with the help of new contributors.

Due to its open source nature, free software is a common target for malicious actors, often exposing it to security risks. To address this issue, the free software community emphasizes the importance of user education, coding best practices, and security-consciousness.

Overall, free software is important to the tech community due to its emphasis on preserving user rights. It is a distributed, collaborative effort where users can adapt the code to suit their needs, rather than being limited to what they are offered by the manufacturer. The free software community ensures that users have the right to control their own IT destiny.