¿Qué es el software libre?

Generalmente se piensa que el software libre son los programas que descargas gratuitamente, pero realmente el significado abarca muchos mas aspectos, es una cuestión de libertad, no de precio.

Les dejo los conceptos principales del software libre de la pagina de GNU (Les recomiendo que lean el articulo completo):

Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:

• The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
• The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
• The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.