# GNU HaliFAX

> free software project which has the goal of implementing a complete fax environment for the GNU system [this package is looking for a maintainer]

**Wikidata**: [Q117048683](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117048683)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gnu-halifax

## Summary
GNU HaliFAX is a free software project that aims to implement a complete fax environment for the GNU system. It was developed as part of the GNU Project and is available under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 or later. The project is currently looking for a maintainer.

## Key Facts
- GNU HaliFAX is a free software project that provides a complete fax environment for the GNU system
- It is part of the GNU Project, which was founded on September 27, 1983
- The software is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 or later
- The project's source code is hosted on GNU Savannah with the project ID "halifax"
- The latest stable version is 0.22.0, released on May 8, 2001
- The project was maintained by Wolfgang Sourdeau from 2000 to 2003
- The official website is https://www.gnu.org/software/halifax/
- The software is classified as both a GNU package and an application

## FAQs
### Q: What is GNU HaliFAX?
A: GNU HaliFAX is a free software project that provides a complete fax environment for the GNU system. It includes fax viewing and related functionality as part of the GNU Project's collection of free software.

### Q: Who maintains GNU HaliFAX?
A: GNU HaliFAX was maintained by Wolfgang Sourdeau from 2000 to 2003. The project is currently looking for a new maintainer.

### Q: What license does GNU HaliFAX use?
A: GNU HaliFAX is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 or later, making it free software that can be used, modified, and distributed freely.

## Why It Matters
GNU HaliFAX represents an important contribution to the free software movement by providing essential fax functionality within the GNU ecosystem. As part of the GNU Project, it embodies the principles of software freedom and open collaboration. The project helps users who need fax capabilities while maintaining their commitment to free software, offering an alternative to proprietary fax solutions. By being part of the GNU Project, HaliFAX benefits from the extensive testing, documentation, and community support that comes with being a GNU package. The project's development history, including multiple stable releases in 2001, demonstrates active maintenance and improvement during its peak. Although it's currently seeking a maintainer, its existence shows how the free software community addresses practical needs like fax communication while adhering to principles of software freedom and user rights.

## Notable For
- Being part of the GNU Project, one of the most influential free software initiatives in history
- Providing complete fax environment functionality as free software when proprietary alternatives dominated
- Using the GNU General Public License, ensuring software freedom for users
- Having multiple stable releases in 2001, showing active development and refinement
- Being hosted on GNU Savannah, the official development platform for GNU packages

## Body
### Development and History
GNU HaliFAX was developed as part of the GNU Project, with its initial development and release occurring around 2000-2001. The project was officially announced as wanting to be a GNU package on April 8, 2001, by Wolfgang Sourdeau. This timing places it within the early 2000s free software movement when many essential applications were being developed to create a complete free software ecosystem.

### Versions and Releases
The project has seen several stable releases, with version 0.20.0 released on April 10, 2001, followed by 0.21.0 on April 18, 2001, and 0.21.1 on April 27, 2001. The current stable version is 0.22.0, released on May 8, 2001. These frequent updates in a short period suggest active development and refinement of the software's features and stability.

### Licensing and Distribution
GNU HaliFAX is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 or later, which is consistent with the GNU Project's philosophy of software freedom. This licensing ensures that users have the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. The project is available for download from the official GNU FTP server at https://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/halifax/.

### Technical Implementation
As a fax environment for the GNU system, HaliFAX provides the necessary tools and functionality for sending, receiving, and managing fax communications within a free software framework. While specific technical details about its implementation are not provided in the source material, its classification as an application and its fax-related functionality indicate it serves as a complete solution for fax needs.

### Current Status
The project is currently marked as "looking for a maintainer," which is common for many open source projects that may have had reduced development activity. This status indicates that while the software remains available and functional, it may not be receiving active updates or bug fixes without new maintainers taking over the project.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "GNU HaliFAX",
  "description": "Free software project that implements a complete fax environment for the GNU system",
  "url": "https://www.gnu.org/software/halifax/",
  "operatingSystem": "GNU/Linux",
  "applicationCategory": "Fax",
  "license": "GNU General Public License v2.0 or later",
  "creator": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "GNU Project"
  },
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_HaliFAX",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/QXXXXXXX"
  ]
}

## References

1. [ghfax want to be a GNU package. 2001](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/savannah-hackers/2001-04/msg00080.html)
2. Free Software Directory
3. [Source](https://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/halifax/)
4. [GNU HaliFAX Viewer 0.21.0 (ghfaxviewer) released. 2001](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu/2001-04/msg00012.html)
5. [GNU HaliFAX Viewer 0.21.1 (ghfaxviewer) released. 2001](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu/2001-04/msg00019.html)
6. [GNU HaliFAX Viewer 0.22.0. 2001](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu/2001-05/msg00010.html)