Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant:  Human: What is free software

Assistant: 
GNU foundation describes it as: “Free software” means software that respects users' freedom and community. Roughly, it means that the users have the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. Thus, “free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech,” not as in “free beer.” We sometimes call it “libre software,” borrowing the French or Spanish word for “free” as in freedom, to show we do not mean the software is gratis. Free software is computer software that can be used, studied, modified, and distributed without restrictions. The term "free" refers to freedom, not the price. Free software is often released under licenses that give users the four essential freedoms to use, study, modify, and distribute the software, and may also include other freedoms, such as the freedom to distribute modified versions. Examples of free software include the GNU/Linux operating system, the Apache web server, and the LibreOffice productivity suite. Free software, also known as open-source software, is software that can be freely used, modified, and distributed without any restrictions. This means that anyone is allowed to access the source code of the software, make changes to it, and distribute those changes to others.

Free software is typically developed and maintained by a community of volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring that the software remains freely available for everyone to use. The goal of free software is to promote the sharing of information and knowledge, as well as to provide users with more control over the technology they use.

Examples of well-known free software include the Linux operating system, the Apache web server, and the OpenOffice productivity suite.

It's important to note that "free" in "free software" refers to freedom, not necessarily to the cost. Some free software is available for free, while others can be purchased or are available through a service provider. However, regardless of how the software is obtained, users have the right to use, modify, and distribute it freely.