Difference between "free as in beer" vs "free as in speech" with regards to software?

Question

I often hear people describe software as "free as in beer" or alternatively, "free as in speech".

Can someone briefly describe the difference between them?

Answer 1

Here's a Wikipedia article on the subject.

Basically it boils down to (and this is simplified, so be sure to read that article):

• Free as in beer means gratis, ie. you can get it without paying for it (someone gives you a beer)
• Free as in speech means that you have certain rights, for instance: you purchase a piece of software, and you get the source code as well, and you're free to develop it further and sell your new invention

Answer 2

Free as in beer refers to the "freeware" movement, where you get the binaries for free but can't see nor modify the software. This refers to going to a bar and getting a free beer, not paying anything for it.

Free as in speech refers to the open source movement, particularly to GPL licensed software, where you are granted certain rights, typically of those to see and modify the source code. This refers to being able to speak what you like, without restrictions (which speech is supposed to have)

Answer 3

Free as in beer == no money is required to obtain the software.

Free as in speech == you have more freedom to do things with the software. What you are allowed to do with it is determined by the license of the software.

Typical restrictions not imposed by free software:

• You can modify the software (implying you have access to the code)
• You can re-distribute the code, with or without your modifications.

Answer 4

To give you some ideas about the difference i want to show some software that clearly belong to that categories. Note partially this categorization is subjective. For example gtk+ allows you to link shared against commercial software. You may categorize this into Free as in Beer, or you may not.

Free as in Beer

1. Word/Excel/Powerpoint Viewer
2. Skype Official Client
3. ICQ Official Client
4. Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition

Free as in Speech

1. Qt by Nokia
2. Linux kernel
3. K Desktop Environment