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For the developers’ and authors’ protection, the
GPL clearly explains that there is no warranty for
this free software. For both users’ and authors’
sake, the GPL requires that modifi ed versions be
marked as changed, so that their problems will not
be attributed erroneously to authors of previous
versions.
Some devices are designed to deny users access
to install or run modifi ed versions of the software
inside them, although the manufacturer can do
so. This is fundamentally incompatible with the
aim of protecting users’ freedom to change the
software. The systematic pattern of such abuse
occurs in the area of products for individuals to use,
which is precisely where it is most unacceptable.
Therefore, we have designed this version of the
GPL to prohibit the practice for those products. If
such problems arise substantially in other domains,
we stand ready to extend this provision to those
domains in future versions of the GPL, as needed
to protect the freedom of users.
Finally, every program is threatened constantly
by software patents. States should not allow
patents to restrict development and use of software
on general-purpose computers, but in those that
do, we wish to avoid the special danger that
patents applied to a free program could make it
effectively proprietary. To prevent this, the GPL
assures that patents cannot be used to render the
program non-free.
The precise terms and conditions for copying,
distribution and modifi cation follow.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
0. Defi nitions.
“This License” refers to version 3 of the GNU
General Public License.
“Copyright” also means copyright-like laws
that apply to other kinds of works, such as
semiconductor masks.
“The Program” refers to any copyrightable
work licensed under this License. Each licensee is
addressed as “you”. “Licensees” and “recipients”
may be individuals or organizations.
To “modify” a work means to copy from or
adapt all or part of the work in a fashion requiring
copyright permission, other than the making of an
exact copy. The resulting work is called a “modifi ed
version” of the earlier work or a work “based on”
the earlier work.
A “covered work” means either the unmodifi ed
Program or a work based on the Program.
To “propagate” a work means to do anything
with it that, without permission, would make you
directly or secondarily liable for infringement under
applicable copyright law, except executing it on a
computer or modifying a private copy. Propagation
includes copying, distribution (with or without
modifi cation), making available to the public, and
in some countries other activities as well.
To “convey” a work means any kind of
propagation that enables other parties to make
or receive copies. Mere interaction with a user
through a computer network, with no transfer of a
copy, is not conveying.
An interactive user interface displays “Appropriate
Legal Notices” to the extent that it includes a
convenient and prominently visible feature that (1)
displays an appropriate copyright notice, and (2)
tells the user that there is no warranty for the work
(except to the extent that warranties are provided),
that licensees may convey the work under this
License, and how to view a copy of this License. If
the interface presents a list of user commands or
options, such as a menu, a prominent item in the
list meets this criterion.
1. Source Code.
The “source code” for a work means the
preferred form of the work for making modifi cations
to it. “Object code” means any non-source form of
a work.
A “Standard Interface” means an interface that
either is an offi cial standard defi ned by a recognized
standards body, or, in the case of interfaces
specifi ed for a particular programming language,
one that is widely used among developers working
in that language.
The “System Libraries” of an executable work
include anything, other than the work as a whole,
that (a) is included in the normal form of packaging
a Major Component, but which is not part of that
Major Component, and (b) serves only to enable
use of the work with that Major Component, or
to implement a Standard Interface for which
an implementation is available to the public in
source code form. A “Major Component”, in this
context, means a major essential component
(kernel, window system, and so on) of the specifi c
operating system (if any) on which the executable
work runs, or a compiler used to produce the work,
or an object code interpreter used to run it.
The “Corresponding Source” for a work in object
code form means all the source code needed to
generate, install, and (for an executable work) run
the object code and to modify the work, including
scripts to control those activities. However, it does
not include the work’s System Libraries, or general-
purpose tools or generally available free programs
which are used unmodifi ed in performing those
activities but which are not part of the work. For
example, Corresponding Source includes interface
defi nition fi les associated with source fi les for the
work, and the source code for shared libraries and