This form contains the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE - Version 2, June 1991 which is intended to guarantee your freedom to share and change free software and to make sure the software is free for all its users.
The Iowa GNU General Public License Version 2 (GPLv2) was developed in June 1991 and is an open-source software license used to distribute and modify software. This license is based on the concept of freedom, providing users with the right to use, study, modify, and distribute software freely. Under the Iowa GNU General Public License Version 2, users are granted the freedom to run the software for any purpose, examine how it works, adapt it to their needs, and share it with others. This license focuses on promoting collaboration, allowing developers to build upon existing software and contribute back to the community. Some important aspects of the Iowa GNU General Public License Version 2 include: 1. Copyleft: The Iowa GPLv2 ensures that any modifications or derivative works of software released under this license must also be licensed under the GPLv2 or a compatible license. This prevents the software from being turned into a proprietary product, ensuring that the freedom and openness of the software are preserved. 2. Source code availability: The Iowa GPLv2 requires that the source code of the software be made available to users. This allows developers to understand how the software functions and enables them to modify and distribute it. 3. No warranty: The Iowa GPLv2 makes it clear that the software is provided without any warranty. It disclaims any liability for damages, thereby shifting the responsibility onto the user and encouraging them to take ownership of the software. It's worth noting that there are no known variants or different types of the Iowa GNU General Public License Version 2. However, there are different versions of the GNU General Public License, such as GPLv3 and LGPLv2.1, which have been released by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) to address specific concerns and modernize the license for evolving technologies and practices. In conclusion, the Iowa GNU General Public License Version 2 is a widely recognized open-source software license that emphasizes freedom, collaboration, and the importance of distributing source code. It provides users with the ability to run, modify, and redistribute software while ensuring that subsequent versions or derivative works also adhere to the principles of openness and freedom.