. On Tue, 20 Mar 2007, der.hans wrote > I'm trying to emphasize Free as in Freedom whenever I say Free > Software, therefore I want another phrase for no cost ... The real meaning of the word "free" ... Dictionary.com lists 22 entries for the word "free," the first of which lists 49 separate meanings. A review of the abbreviated essence of each is illuminating. One of my pet peeves is false-advertisers who misuse the word "free" by offering something "free ... with the purchase of ..." If any kind of purchase is required, then the so-called "free" item is not "free" at all. Anyone who misuses the word "free" in that way should be required by law to actually give away FREE whatever they have falsely claimed is "free." Consider all of these definitions of the word "free." It is interesting to contemplate how perfectly so many of them apply to Linux. (Note: "without cost" is way down the list at #36.) 1. enjoying personal rights or liberty, as a person who is not in slavery 2. pertaining to those who enjoy personal liberty 3. having liberty 4. enjoying autonomy, not under foreign rule, independent. 5. exempt from external authority, interference, restriction 6. able to do something at will, free to choose 7. clear of obstructions or obstacles 8. not occupied or in use, as in the phone line is free. 9. exempt from controls, restraints, burdens 10. having immunity or being safe from danger 11. not subject to a charge or payment: free parking or a free sample 12. given without expectation of return or reward, as in free advice 13. unimpeded, as in motion or movement 14. not held fast, unattached 15. not joined to or in contact with something else 16. acting without restraint 17. ready or generous in giving, free with giving advice 18. given readily or in profusion 19. frank and open, unconstrained, unceremonious 20. unrestrained, free behavior 21. not subject to special regulations, restrictions, etc. 22. characterized by free enterprise, a free economy 23. that which may be used by or is open to all 24. engaged in by all present 25. not literal, as a translation, loose 26. uncombined chemically, as free oxygen 27. traveling without power, under no force except gravity or inertia 28. Phonetics. open as opposed to checked (or restricted) 29. at liberty to enter and enjoy at will 30. not subject to rules, set forms 31. easily worked 36. without cost, payment, or charge 39. to make free, set at liberty, release from bondage 43. free up, release from restrictions 44. for free, without charge 45. free and clear 48. set free, to release, liberate, set the prisoners free 49. with a free hand, generously, freely, openhandedly # Not imprisoned or enslaved; being at liberty # Not controlled by obligation or the will of another # Governed by consent # Not subject to arbitrary interference # Costing nothing --------------------------------------------------- PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change you mail settings: http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss