Types of Software Licenses

 

Types of Software Licenses

Freeware/Shareware

Freeware software is created by an author and put into the public domain; there are no copyright restrictions. It can be copied and distributed freely. Shareware is copyrighted software that the developer encourages you to copy and distribute. This permission is explicitly stated in the documentation. The developer usually requests a registration fee if you like the software and plan to use it. Registering the software usually ensures that program and documentation updates are sent to you.

Limited License (LL)

An agreement whereby software is purchased with limits and/or restrictions on the number of copies available for installation or use. LL's are sometimes limited to a designated number of computers (up to the number of Group Copies purchased) or as many users operating a Program at any given time as the number of Concurrent Copies purchased. Some LL's for educational instituions are restricted to use in connection with on-campus computing facilities that are used solely in support of classroom instruction and research activities of students, teaching faculty and staff, and research staff.

Unlimited Site License (USL)

An agreement whereby software is purchased with no limit on the number of copies available for installation. USL's are sometimes limited to specific people (such as state-funded faculty and staff). The only cost that an individual or department may have to bear is the cost of burning a CD and/or purchasing documentation. Some USL's are available for checkout, usually for one to three days, others are downloadable via the Internet. Documentation for some USL's may be found on limited loan in the Library's Reserve Book Room or in PDF format on the Internet.

Volume Purchase Agreement (VPA)

An agreement whereby software is purchased in large volume at a reduced price. VPA's are often set up with a specific vendor with no set purchase quantity (such as Microsoft Select through ASAP or Macromedia through Compucom or Aztec Shops) or may be done as a set purchase with a charge back to the department or college (such as MeetingMaker). Some VPA's allow for additional copies to be bought at the reduced price after the initial copies are distributed.

 

 

Last modified on March 15, 2007 Please provide any comments about this page via Feedback