Software License
Software License
A software license is a legal instrument that governs the use or redistribution of software. It serves as an agreement between the author and the user, detailing how software can be used, modified, or distributed. Software licenses have been a fundamental component of the software industry since the 1970s, largely due to the recognition of software copyright.
Types of Software Licenses
Software licenses can broadly be categorized into several types, each with different permissions and restrictions.
Free-Software License
A free-software license provides users extensive rights to modify and redistribute software. It aligns with the philosophy of free and open-source software. These licenses are often seen as a social contract empowering users with control over their computing.
Open-Source License
Open-source licenses ensure that software can be freely used, modified, and shared. They facilitate the development of open-source projects and align closely with free-software licenses.
Permissive Software License
Permissive software licenses, such as the MIT License and BSD licenses, impose minimal restrictions on the use and distribution of software. They are often preferred for their simplicity and flexibility.
Copyleft License
Copyleft licenses, like the GNU General Public License, require that derivative works of the software also be open and free, ensuring that improvements to the software remain accessible to the public.
Proprietary Software License
Proprietary software licenses restrict the use, modification, and distribution of software. Users typically obtain a license to use the software under terms set by the owner, often without access to the source code.
Volume and Site Licensing
Volume licensing and site licenses are used to authorize software on a large number of computers or across an entire organization, offering cost efficiency and ease of management.
End-User License Agreement
An End-User License Agreement (EULA) is a legal contract between the software supplier and the user, detailing the terms under which the software may be used.