# Crossroads

> free software

**Wikidata**: [Q1141539](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1141539)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/crossroads-q1141539

## Summary
Crossroads is a free software distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it, including modified versions. It is licensed under the GNU General Public License and is hosted at http://crossroads.e-tunity.com/. As an instance of free software, it embodies the "four freedoms" central to the free software movement.

## Key Facts
- Crossroads is a **free software**.
- Website: http://crossroads.e-tunity.com/
- Instance of: **free software**.
- License: **GNU General Public License**.
- Copyright status: **copyrighted**.
- Wikidata description: **free software**.
- Sitelink count: **1**.
- Free software is defined by the **four freedoms**: to run, study, change, and distribute the software and modified versions.
- Free software is the opposite of **proprietary software**.
- Crossroads, as free software, is part of the **open source movement** and associated with the **free software movement**.
- Free software is classified as a **software category** and a facet of a **computer program**.
- Free software is a subclass of **freely redistributable software**, **source-available software**, and **open-source software**.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Crossroads?
A: Crossroads is a free software project licensed under the GNU General Public License. It is distributed under terms that grant users the freedoms to run, study, modify, and redistribute the software.

### Q: Is Crossroads the same as open-source software?
A: Crossroads, as free software, is often discussed alongside open-source software (OSS) and free and open-source software (FOSS). While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, distinctions exist in philosophy and licensing practices.

### Q: How does Crossroads differ from freeware?
A: Unlike freeware, which focuses on cost-free distribution, Crossroads emphasizes the "four freedoms" of free software, including the right to modify and redistribute the source code.

### Q: What license does Crossroads use?
A: Crossroads is licensed under the **GNU General Public License**, ensuring users’ rights to use, study, share, and modify the software.

## Why It Matters
Crossroads matters as a practical example of free software principles in action. By adopting the GNU General Public License, it guarantees users the freedoms to run, study, adapt, and share the software, distinguishing it from proprietary models. Its existence supports the open-source ecosystem, enabling collaboration and customization. As part of the broader free software movement, Crossroads contributes to technological transparency and user empowerment, offering an alternative to restrictive licensing practices.

## Notable For
- Licensed under the **GNU General Public License**, ensuring user freedoms.
- Hosted at http://crossroads.e-tunity.com/, providing accessible distribution.
- Embodies the **four freedoms** core to free software: run, study, change, and redistribute.
- Explicitly copyrighted while remaining freely distributable.
- Part of the **open source movement**, promoting collaborative development.

## Body
### Definition and Licensing
Crossroads is a free software project licensed under the **GNU General Public License**. This license ensures that users have the rights to run, study, modify, and distribute the software, including modified versions. The project is hosted at http://crossroads.e-tunity.com/, facilitating open access and collaboration.

### Classification and Movement
As an instance of **free software**, Crossroads is classified under the **software category** and functions as a **computer program**. It aligns with the **free software movement**, which prioritizes user freedoms, and is part of the broader **open source movement**. This dual association highlights its commitment to both ethical software distribution and collaborative development practices.

### Key Characteristics
Crossroads adheres to the **four freedoms**:
1. **Freedom to run** the software for any purpose.
2. **Freedom to study** and modify the source code.
3. **Freedom to redistribute** copies to others.
4. **Freedom to distribute modified versions**, ensuring community-driven improvement.

### Distinctions and Relationships
- **Opposite of proprietary software**: Unlike proprietary software, Crossroads does not restrict user rights through licensing agreements.
- **Different from freeware**: While freeware is cost-free, Crossroads emphasizes source code accessibility and modification rights.
- **Relation to open-source software**: Crossroads is often grouped with open-source software (OSS) and free and open-source software (FOSS), though distinctions in philosophy and licensing may apply.

### Technical and Legal Details
- **Copyright status**: Crossroads is copyrighted, but its license explicitly permits redistribution and modification.
- **Website and distribution**: The project’s website (http://crossroads.e-tunity.com/) serves as a hub for distribution and community engagement.
- **Wikidata context**: Described on Wikidata as "free software," Crossroads is part of a global catalog of libre projects.

### Broader Impact
By embracing free software principles, Crossroads contributes to a ecosystem where software is a community resource rather than a proprietary product. Its adherence to the GNU General Public License ensures that derivative works remain free, fostering a culture of sharing and innovation. This model contrasts sharply with proprietary software, which restricts user agency and stifles collaborative advancement.