Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on January 20, 2004 12:52 AM
David,
Good stuff, but an important correction:
proprietary software is software which is copyrighted work of the author(s). This includes both free and non-free software. Only public domain software isn't legally owned by the authors.
commercial software is software which is sold for profit. This also includes both free and non-free software.
Please don't use the above terms in such an sloppy way. I know what you mean, but please be clear, because some people don't know what you mean.
Whether or not software qualifies free depends on these four freedoms:
The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
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use the right legal terms please
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on January 20, 2004 12:52 AMGood stuff, but an important correction:
proprietary software is software which is copyrighted work of the author(s). This includes both free and non-free software. Only public domain software isn't legally owned by the authors.
commercial software is software which is sold for profit. This also includes both free and non-free software.
Please don't use the above terms in such an sloppy way. I know what you mean, but
please be clear, because some people don't know
what you mean.
Whether or not software qualifies free depends on these four freedoms:
#