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Introduction
About
OpenLP is an open source lyrics projection application developed specifically for churches. It is licensed under the GNU Generic Public License, which means that it is free to use and distribute, and it stays free.
Lyrics Projection
OpenLP's purpose is to project the lyrics of songs and Bible verses using a computer and a data projector. OpenLP also has the ability to project videos, images, and also play audio. OpenLP also is highly customizable providing users with the ability to set up a wide variety of themes, including themes with video backgrounds.
Open Source
OpenLP is open source software. This means that the source code (the programming instructions the developers write) is open to anyone who wants to look at it. This gives you, the end user, a few freedoms.
From a developer's perspective, it gives you the freedom to inspect the code and make sure that it is not malicious. Also, it gives you the freedom to change the code and the freedom to "fork" the project and make it your own.
For end users open source software gives you the freedom to use software as you wish. You are not required to pay for the software and you are free to make copies and distribute it to anyone you want.
GNU General Public License
The GNU General Public License was specifically chosen because it ensures the above mentioned freedoms. It specifically states that you are not allowed to charge for the software, and that you have to distribute the source code as well.
You can find a copy of the GNU General Public License from the Help menu selecting about OpenLP or on-line at: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.txt