Open Source FAQ > Basic open source software licensing questions > What is Open Source Licensing?
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- Here is a definition of open source
- "Open Source" is sometimes also called "free software," but as the FSF says, think free speech, not free beer. Open source licensing means licensing of software with the source code available to licensees, so the licensees can make changes to the software. It doesn't mean all software should be free of charge. Back in the 1970's, most software programs were licensed in source code form, because most software was developed custom for the client. In the late 1980's, when PCs began to be standardized, programs became standardized, too. So developers began developing non-custom, off-the shelf software. They also began distributing object code only, and keeping the source code from the user. Open source advocates want to reverse this practice, so all users have access to source code.
Last updated on November 7, 2009 by Heather Meeker