Author:
Stallman, Richard M.
Imprint:Boston, MA : Free Software Foundation, 2002.
Description220 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Note:Section one : The GNU project and free software. The GNU project -- The GNU manifesto -- Free software definition -- Why software should not have owners -- What's in a name? -- Why "free software" is better than "open source" -- Releasing free software if you work at a university -- Selling free software -- Free software needs free documentation -- Free software song -- Section two : Copyright, copyleft, and patents. The right to read -- Misinterpreting copyright : a series of errors -- Science must "push" copyright aside -- What is copyleft? -- Copyleft : pragmatic idealism -- The danger of software patents -- Section three : Freedom, society, and software. Can you trust your computer? -- Why software should be free -- Copyright and globalization in the age of computer networks -- Free software : freedom and cooperation -- Words to avoid -- Section four : The licenses. GNU general public license -- GNU lesser general public license -- GNU free documentation license.
Note:The intersection of ethics, law, business and computer software is the subject of these essays and speeches by MacArthur Foundation Grant winner, Richard M. Stallman. This collection includes historical writings such as The GNU Manifesto, which defined and launched the activist Free Software Movement, along with new writings on hot topics in copyright, patent law, and the controversial issue of "trusted computing." Stallman takes a critical look at common abuses of copyright law and patents when applied to computer software programs, and how these abuses damage our entire society and remove our existing freedoms. He also discusses the social aspects of software and how free software can create community and social justice. Given the current turmoil in copyright and patent laws, including the DMCA and proposed CBDTPA, these essays are more relevant than ever. Stallman tackles head-on the essential issues driving the current changes in copyright law. He argues that for creativity to flourish, software must be free of inappropriate and overly-broad legal constraints. Over the past twenty years his arguments and actions have changed the course of software history; this new book is sure to impact the future of software and legal policies in the years to come.
