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.

The Free Software Foundation (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. Please consider making a donation, becoming an Associate Member, 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 associate members should RSVP for this year's annual meeting. Richard Stallman, Eben Moglen, Lawrence Lessig and more will be speaking.

There will be a demonstration against software patents in Brussels

The FSF has appointed a new Executive Director and got a new, distinct website.

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: Call on WIPO to change its name and mission
• World wide: Raise awareness of dangers of WIPO Broadcast Treaty
• 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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