The Free Nature of Linux: Understanding Its Unique Structure and Contributions

In today's digital age, operating systems have become fundamental building blocks for devices and networks. Among them, Linux stands out as a unique and enigmatic free software platform. This article delves into the reasons behind Linux's existence as a free operating system and explains its core freedoms and conditions.

Understanding the Freedoms and Conditions of Linux

Linux, the kernel, offers these 'freedoms,' but with a specific 'condition.' The core principles of Linux centers around the belief that software should be freely accessible, usable, and modifiable by anyone. Specifically:

Freedoms:

You can download and use Linux. It costs 0. You can do whatever you want with it. Wish to install it on 1 million servers and then sell a service, allowing people to watch movies using your Linux servers? This is a go-ahead. No limitations are placed on the number of installations or the amount charged for the service. Just keep the money.

However, there is a condition. If you modify the Linux kernel code, you must give back the changes you make. What does this mean?

Condition:

You must give back the code changes you make, the additions you add, bug fixes, and any improvements. Because the code does not belong to Linus Torvalds but rather to the entire community. This principle ensures that the contributions of everyone in the community are recognized and valued. This way, users receive the benefits of the collective effort while contributing back to the community.

Why Does This Benefit Regular Users?

The reasoning behind this condition is multifaceted and beneficial for regular users. Here's how:

Companies' Investments and Contributions:

Companies have invested and continue to invest:

Millions of dollars to extend and improve the Linux kernel. Millions of man hours and lines of code to enhance its capabilities.

And, as a result of these contributions, everyone in the community, including individual users, receives these benefits for free. This is a fair and reciprocal system where users benefit from the efforts of the community and contribute back. However, not all companies are altruistic.

Legal Obligation and Reciprocal Benefits:

Companies have a legal obligation to contribute their changes back due to the terms of the Linux project. Additionally, companies benefit from the contributions of other companies. For example, AWS and Google Cloud may contribute to improving the performance of Linux, and later, the other party can leverage those improvements. This creates a continuous cycle of 'take, give, take, give,' where everyone has something to gain.

Why Are Operating Systems Based on Linux Free?

Linux is not the only software with this condition. Other essential software utilities also operate under similar terms, such as:

Programs that draw desktops, taskbars, and start menus. File explorers. File editors. Internet browsers.

This ensures that these utilities, which make a computer useful, are also freely available. Even if these utilities are modified and sold, the new developers are still obligated to give back their sources, allowing the community to continue building and improving upon them. This is the essence of free software.

Legal Considerations and Selling Free Software

It's important to understand that the term 'free' in free software does not mean it is zero-cost but rather that it is freely accessible, modifiable, and redistributable. If someone were to sell a modified version of Debian, they would be required to:

Reveal the modifications made to the software. Return the changes to the community, ensuring that the software remains open and accessible.

Thus, if someone takes Shmebian, adds their own twist, and sells it for a fee, they must still release the source code. This ensures that the benefits of everyone's contributions are preserved, and the cycle of giving and receiving continues.

Conclusion

The free nature of Linux and similar software projects is rooted in a mutual agreement to share and contribute. This structure ensures that advancements and improvements are accessible to all, creating a vibrant and dynamic community. Whether you are a user or a developer, understanding this framework is essential for appreciating the value and impact of such software.