Software and connections

Without programs, a computer is useless unless you program it yourself. Some computer programs are very versatile tools and some are smaller support devices. Operating systems form a special group of software.

Many types of software, operating systems in particular, are an almost unnoticeable part of computer use. Many program-related matters are noticed first when the computer is not functioning as it should. The reason for the problem can be a software bug, hardware failure or some other malfunction.

Copyrights and licences

The Copyright Act protects also the developers of computer programs. Usage and distribution of computer programs are also regulated with software licences that are agreements between the software publisher and the user.

Most software is sold to end-users under licences that allow the software to be used on one computer or by one user on several computers. Licences are valid for an indefinite or a fixed term. This retail software and many types of advertising-supported software (adware) are commercial software.

Free software

Open source software is the best-known example of freely distributed software. With the open source code that comes with the free software or is freely available elsewhere, anyone can participate in developing and modifying the software to suit his or her needs.

The use of open source code, other free software and freeware may have some limitations that are included in the software licence. For instance, the GPL licence limits the use of the program as a part of a commercial program, and some freeware are not allowed to be redistributed without permission from the author. Shareware authors request the user to pay a voluntary fee for the program.

Site updated 18.11.2008   Print Print