Non-Free Software Overview

Understanding non-free software in Awesome-Selfhosted and why it’s listed separately

What is Non-Free Software?

Non-free software refers to applications that do not meet the Free Software definition. These programs implement their own licensing with restrictions and grants that must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Non-free software may contain anti user-freedom features such as backdoors, user lock-in, or third-party data sharing.

Why Listed Separately?

The awesome-selfhosted project maintains a separate list for non-free software to:

1. Maintain transparency - Users should know when software has restrictions
2. Preserve the project’s core values - The main list prioritizes free and open-source software
3. Provide complete information - Some useful self-hosted solutions exist that aren’t fully free
4. Enable informed decisions - Users can choose based on their needs and values

Common Restrictions and Limitations

Non-free software may include various restrictions:

License Types

• Proprietary licenses (⊘ Proprietary) - Closed-source with usage restrictions
• Source-available with restrictions - Code is viewable but has limits on use, modification, or distribution
• Commons Clause - Open source base with commercial use restrictions
• BUSL (Business Source License) - Delayed open source (becomes free after time period)
• Elastic License 2.0 - Prevents cloud providers from offering as a service
• SSPL (Server Side Public License) - Requires releasing full service source code

Common Restrictions Include:

• Commercial use limitations - Cannot be used for business purposes
• Modification restrictions - Cannot alter the source code
• Redistribution limits - Cannot share or redistribute the software
• Service restrictions - Cannot offer as a hosted service to others
• Access to source code - May be closed-source entirely
• User lock-in - Proprietary formats or vendor-specific features
• Data collection - May send personal data to third parties

Software marked with ⚠ may have additional warnings or special considerations. Always review the specific license terms before deployment.

Understanding the Free Software Definition

According to the Free Software Foundation, free software must guarantee four essential freedoms:

1. Freedom 0: The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose
2. Freedom 1: The freedom to study how the program works, and change it
3. Freedom 2: The freedom to redistribute copies
4. Freedom 3: The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions

“Free software” refers to freedom, not price. It’s about user rights and control over the software.

Before Using Non-Free Software

Before deploying non-free software, consider:

• Review the license carefully - Understand all restrictions and requirements
• Evaluate your use case - Ensure the license permits your intended use
• Consider alternatives - Check if free software alternatives exist in the main list
• Assess long-term implications - Consider vendor lock-in and future costs
• Privacy concerns - Verify what data might be collected or shared
• Community support - Proprietary software may have limited community resources

Next Steps

Browse Categories

Explore non-free software organized by category

Free Software List

View the main awesome-selfhosted list of free software