Terms such as Freeware, Free software, Open source, Shareware, Trialware, Adware, Nagware, etc are often used to define programs. Does one really know the difference between freeware and free software ...

From time to time, we have been covering good freeware and free software in our Downloads section. We have also been posting about ‘Best 5’ or ‘Top 10’ software in various categories. In this post, I ...

Jeanne Light wonders whether it’s safe to use free software. “What do [the authors] get out of it?” She feels, understandably, quite skeptical. It’s good to be skeptical. And careful. Free products ...

For too many people, the phrase “free software” conjures up images of pirated brand-name applications or poorly supported third-class programs. If that’s what you think of freeware, you’re missing an ...

Celebrate '26 by helping us reach our New Year's goal before Jan. 16: join as an associate member today. You will help the FSF remain strong and independent to empower technology users everywhere.

As 2025, the FSF's fortieth anniversary year, draws to a close, Ian Kelling, president of the Free Software Foundation, offers his reflections on why you should become an FSF associate member.