free software

Definitions

1. Software that can be freely copied, redistributed and modified, including source code; software that is libre.
   uncountable
2. Any software that is free of charge, such as freeware.
   uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“[Richard Stallman's] work⟳ inspired many others to contribute⟳ free software under the GPL.”

“Simply put⟳, Free Software is software that you can use⟳, modify⟳, and share⟳ with virtually no restrictions. Although it's often distributed free of charge—occasionally referred to as “free as in beer”—Free Software is not to be confused with “freeware.””

“At the very least, good free software can reduce⟳ the total cost⟳ of entering the microworld. But it may also enable you to equip your system with more memory, more power, and more peripherals than you could afford⟳ if you had to sink⟳ hundreds of dollars into commercial programs.”

CEFR level