> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software) definition**. These programs implement their own licensing with restrictions and grants that must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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

## 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

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

## Understanding the Free Software Definition

According to the [Free Software Foundation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software), 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

<Tip>
  "Free software" refers to freedom, not price. It's about user rights and control over the software.
</Tip>

## 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

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Browse Categories" icon="grid" href="/non-free/categories">
    Explore non-free software organized by category
  </Card>

  <Card title="Free Software List" icon="star" href="/">
    View the main awesome-selfhosted list of free software
  </Card>
</CardGroup>