Lesson Notes: Software Distribution Licenses
Introduction
Software distribution licenses define the terms and conditions under which software can be used,
modified, and distributed. Different types of licenses provide various levels of access, control,
and restrictions to users. Understanding these licenses is crucial for both developers and users to
ensure legal and ethical use of software.
1. Public Domain
Public Domain refers to software that is not protected by copyright and is freely available for
anyone to use, modify, and distribute without any restrictions. Public domain software can be
used for any purpose, including commercial use, without the need to pay royalties or fees.
Key Points:
o No copyright protection.
o Can be freely used, modified, and distributed.
o Often, but not always, comes with no warranty or support.
Example:
o SQLite – A C library that provides a lightweight, disk-based database, which
does not require a separate server process and allows access to the database using
a nonstandard variant of the SQL query language.
2. Shareware
Shareware is software that is distributed on a trial basis, allowing users to try the software
before purchasing it. The software is usually fully functional for a limited time or with limited
features. After the trial period expires, the user is expected to pay for a license to continue using
the software or unlock additional features.
Key Points:
o Free trial period or limited functionality.
o Payment required for continued use or full functionality.
o Often used as a marketing strategy to attract users.
Example:
o WinRAR – A file archiver utility for Windows. It offers a 40-day trial period,
after which users are encouraged to purchase a license.
3. Freeware
Freeware refers to software that is distributed at no cost to the user. While freeware is free to
use, it is still protected by copyright, meaning the user cannot modify, sell, or redistribute the
software without the author’s permission. Freeware is often used to increase the software's user
base or as a promotional tool.
Key Points:
o Free to use without payment.
o Cannot be modified or redistributed without permission.
o Copyrighted by the original author.
Example:
o Adobe Acrobat Reader – A popular PDF viewer that is available for free,
allowing users to view, print, and annotate PDF files.
4. Commercial Software
Commercial Software is software that is developed for sale to end users. It is typically sold
under a proprietary license, meaning that the software is owned by the company or individual
who created it. Users must purchase a license to use the software, and the license typically
imposes restrictions on how the software can be used, modified, and distributed.
Key Points:
o Must be purchased to use.
o Proprietary license with usage restrictions.
o Usually includes support and updates.
Example:
o Microsoft Office – A suite of productivity software that includes Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, and more. It requires a paid license to use.
5. Open Source Software
Open Source Software is software that is released with a license that allows anyone to view,
modify, and distribute the software's source code. Open source licenses promote collaboration
and sharing, enabling communities of developers to contribute to the software's development.
Users can often download and use open-source software for free, though some open-source
projects may offer paid versions with additional features or support.
Key Points:
o Source code is available to the public.
o Can be modified and redistributed.
o Encourages community collaboration.
Example:
o Linux – An open-source operating system kernel that is the foundation for
various Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu and Fedora.