Copyright & Licenses
by Taylor Sharrar
What is copyright?
Copyright is a collection of rights that are granted to the author of a piece of work, such as the rights to sell it, use it, or change it.
Types of Software
Public Domain
Definition: Work that is not protected by copyright law, because it has expired, or is no longer good for some other reason.
Example: Classic literature or music.
Freeware
Definition: Copyrighted work that can be copied, used, or given away for free.
Example: iTunes
Shareware
Definition: Copyrighted work that you can use for free for a limited time.
Example: Downgraded versions of the apps you would pay for.
All Rights Reserved
Definition: Only allows the purchaser to use the software.
Example: Any software you would purchase at Best Buy, or any similar stores.
Open Source
Definition: Software that includes the source code, which allows anyone to improve it.
Example: Firefox or Google Chrome