Welcome to the GNU Project web server, www.gnu.org. The GNU Project was launched in 1984 to develop a complete UNIX style operating system which is free software: the GNU system. (GNU is a recursive acronym for “GNU's Not UNIX”; it is pronounced “guh-noo.”) Variants of the GNU operating system, which use the kernel Linux, are now widely used; though these systems are often referred to as “Linux,” they are more accurately called GNU/Linux systems.

This is also the web site of the Free Software Foundation (FSF). FSF is the principal organizational sponsor of the GNU Project. FSF receives very little funding from corporations or grant-making foundations. We rely on support from individuals like you who support FSF's mission to preserve, protect and promote the freedom to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer software, and to defend the rights of Free Software users. Last year, over 67% of our operating funds came from individual donors. That ongoing support is the primary way we can continue our work. Please consider making a donation today, becoming an Associate Member of FSF, ordering a copy of Free Software, Free Society, and/or encouraging your company to become a Corporate Patron of FSF.

The FSF supports the freedoms of speech, press, and association on the Internet, the right to use encryption software for private communication, and the right to write software unimpeded by private monopolies.

GNUs Flashes

FSF is offering two days of seminars at Stanford University in Northern California on the GPL and Free Software Licensing. The dates are August 24 and 25, 2004. The seminars will be taught by Daniel Ravicher, Senior Counsel to FSF and Executive Director of the Public Patent Foundation; and Bradley Kuhn, FSF's Executive Director. Read more about what's being offered, and learn how to register.

Charles Arthur reports a US Computer Emergency Response Team alert regarding Microsoft's Internet Explorer security vulnerabilities. "It is possible to reduce exposure to these vulnerabilities by using a different web browser."
(However, they should not refer to the people who exploit these security holes as "hackers".)

For other news, as well as for items that used to be in this GNUs Flashes section, see What's New in and about the GNU Project.

Take Action

• World wide: Raise awareness of dangers of WIPO Broadcast Treaty
• US citizens: Oppose HR 3261
• US citizens: Oppose HR 4077
• In Europe: Fight against software patents
• US citizens: Sign petitions against software patents and the DMCA
• Long-term contribution: Add to the Free Software Directory

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