When people refer to "free" software in the context of Linux, they are generally referring to software that is distributed under a free and open-source software license. This means that the software can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone, without any restrictions on how it can be used.
While free software often does not cost anything to use or distribute, the concept of "free" in this context is not limited to price. It is more about the freedom to use and modify the software as users see fit, without being restricted by proprietary licenses or other legal restrictions.
It is worth noting that some Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu and Fedora, are available for free download and use, but may offer paid support services or other products. However, even in these cases, the core software itself is still typically distributed under a free and open-source license, meaning that users are free to modify and distribute it as they see fit.
As you have read before, The Wizard has used Ubuntu and now Ubuntu MATE for the last 10 years or more. In the last 10 years, I have never paid for any software, however, I do donate $$ to different organizations (pay the dev's) when I find that I am getting good use of an app and that I benefit from it. I currently support Ubuntu MATE with a monthly donation of $3.50.
So in my case, the term "Free" software refers to free to use and free to modify and distribute it if I like. By the way it is free as in Libre, not necessarily Free as in Free Beer.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
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