I know some of the terms you come across on the Internet can be confusing for some, especially for items termed "software". Lets break down some of the common terms about such software to assist you in understanding what you are using.
Public Domain Software
Software created by a single developer or small company.
There is no copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means.
You may be able to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software without restriction
Software may be used for commercial gain
Public Domain Software types - More often found with computer code or software developed and distributed under the GNU licence for using with the Linux Operating System.
Freeware
Software created by a developer or small company.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means.
Unable to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software without restriction (depends on licence structure)
You may not use the software for commercial gain
Freeware types - small games, utilities, widgets, software that is usually a pre-cursor to the developer testing user interest or a future commercial product.
Shareware / Trial ware
Software created by a developer or small company.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means or may have restrictions on distribution.
Unable to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software for a specified period of time.
You may have all or limited functionality of the product during the "trial period"
You may not use the software for commercial gain.
Option to pay a small fee to continue using the software after the trial period has expired.
Shareware types - Larger games, utilities, widgets, some Anti-spy ware or Anti-Virus product software that is usually a pre-cursor to the developer testing user interest or a future commercial product.
Commercial Software
Software created by a developer, company or corporation.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software must be purchased usually through a retailer or third party provider.
Unable to change, create or modify doing so they incur liability from the copyright holders.
You may use the software for an indefinite or specified period of time.
You have all functionality of the product.
You may not use the software for commercial gain nor may you distribute the program.
Usually, restricted to operating the software for 1 user only (on 1 PC).
Commercial Software types - Commercial games, Major utilities, Anti-spy ware or Anti-Virus product software, Video and Photo Editing Software, CAD and image software, Music Software, Office Suites.
Almost all types of software, especially, freeware, trial ware, shareware and commercial products outline in the EULA (an End User Licence Agreement) what legal rights, statutory rights and explicit rights you may or may not have with using the software.
This is a legal and binding agreement between you and the software issuer. Most people don't realise that when you walk into a retail store and buy software, you are not buying the CD or DVD or manual, or the box it is all provided in. But you are purchasing the 'right' to legally use the software as outlined in the licence agreement.
In other words, if you buy software that has in it's agreement, 'You may use this product on 1 (one) computer only at one time'. Don't give the disc to a family member or friend to put on their computer if you continue to use it on yours.
I am not trying to scare you or explain your legal rights, copyright and software licencing is a complex and difficult subject to understand for the general layman. I am only providing a general understanding of this complex issue. Please always consult someone in the legal profession for further information on your rights with using computer software.
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