---
type: concept
title: Open Source Software Guidelines
tags: [oss, floss, licensing]
related: [universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_downloads_software.md"]
---

# Open Source Software Guidelines

The [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] encourages the use of **Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS/OSS)** as an alternative to proprietary software, particularly for students who are not eligible for university-provided licenses.

## Permitted Licenses
From a licensing law perspective, the URZ considers software released under the following licenses to be safe for use:

- **GNU General Public License (GPL)** Version 2 and higher
- **GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL)**
- **Apache License**
- **BSD License**
- **Common Public License (CPL)**
- **Mozilla Public License (MPL)**
- **European Public License (EPL)**

Users are advised to ensure that the corresponding license is clearly stated when using such software.
