Question 133 of 319

Which of the following statements is true of free software? It   

  • A.  can be borrowed freely.
  • B.  is a low-cost software:
  • C.  is a free unlicensed software.
  • D.  is a licensed software with permission to copy freely.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation
The correct option is D. is a licensed software with permission to copy freely. Detailed Explanation:
  1. Understanding Free Software:
  2. Free software refers to software that grants users the freedom to run, modify, and share the software. The term "free" in this context is about liberty, not price. This concept is often associated with the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and its founder Richard Stallman, who emphasized the importance of user freedoms.
  3. Why Option D is Correct:
  4. Option D states that free software is "a licensed software with permission to copy freely." This is accurate because free software is distributed under licenses that explicitly allow users to copy, modify, and distribute the software. Examples of such licenses include the GNU General Public License (GPL) and the MIT License. These licenses ensure that the software remains free for all users, promoting collaboration and sharing within the community.
  5. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
  6. Option A: "can be borrowed freely."
    • This statement is misleading. While users can share free software, the term "borrowed" implies a temporary transfer of ownership or access, which is not the case with free software. Users can permanently copy and share the software without restrictions, which is a fundamental aspect of free software.
  7. Option B: "is a low-cost software."
    • This option is incorrect because it conflates the idea of "free" with "low-cost." Free software can be available at no cost, but it can also be sold for a price. The key point is that the user has the freedom to use, modify, and share the software, regardless of its monetary cost. Therefore, the cost aspect does not define free software.
  8. Option C: "is a free unlicensed software."
    • This statement is incorrect because it suggests that free software does not have a license. In reality, free software is always distributed under a specific license that grants users certain rights. The absence of a license would mean that users do not have the legal right to copy or modify the software, which contradicts the principles of free software.
Common Pitfalls:
  • Confusing "free" as in "free of charge" with "free" as in "freedom." It's essential to understand that free software emphasizes user rights rather than just the absence of cost.
  • Assuming that all software labeled as "free" is free software. Some software may be free to use but may not grant the same freedoms regarding modification and redistribution.
Revision Summary:
  • Free software emphasizes user freedoms: the right to run, modify, and share.
  • It is distributed under licenses that allow copying and modification.
  • "Free" refers to liberty, not necessarily to cost.
  • Understanding the distinction between free software and other types of software is crucial for clarity in discussions about software rights.
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