aiims chip

04/12/23 Infomedia India Ltd, Mumbai 1

Is software really ‘free’?

Presenter: Brian Pereira,

Editor-Projects, IC CHIP Magazine

(Read the fine print)


Is software really ‘free’?

The word ‘free’ has been largely misunderstood.

“Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech,'' not as in “free beer.”

--The Free Software Foundation


Software is truly free if…

You have the four kinds of freedom:

The freedom to run the program The freedom to study how the program works, and

modify the source code to adapt it for your needs

The freedom to distribute copies, to help others The freedom to improve the program, and release

it to the public


Who offers truly free software?

The Open Source Initiative (www.opensource.org)

Linux operating system, Apache Web server, Open Office

Mozilla Project (www.mozilla.org)

Firefox browser, Thunderbird e-mail client, Netscape browser


The other ‘free’

It’s about “try before you buy” (sampling) Demoware – A software limited by features or functionality

e.g. Games, only one level

Freeware – It’s supposed to be completely free with no strings attached. But some authors urge you to make a donation.

E.g. Spybot – Search & Destroy, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger

Trialware – You can use this software in a limited way – either for a period of 30 days, or without access to the advanced features.e.g Winzip

Shareware – Users are encouraged to share the program with others to increase its popularity. This definition is now changed, and trialware is often referred to as shareware.


Stay clear from these..

Spyware – Snoops around your computer, monitors what you type, looks for

sensitive information (like credit card numbers, passwords, list of sites that you visit) and sends it back over the Web to a hacker.

Adware - A type of Spyware that looks for your interests in commercial

products. Monitors the sites that you visit, tracks your online shopping experience, sends details back to marketers. They respond by sending you product offers by email (Spam) or hijack your browser or put pop up ads on your computer (that appear in your browser).

Both arrive as email attachments or as part of other “free” software that you download or when you visit “shady” Web sites and click on banners.


Where do you get shareware?

Download from reputed sites

www.download.com www.tucows.com www.snapfiles.com www.openoffice.org www.winfiles.com www.softpedia.com

Review of shareware sites: http://www.cryer.co.uk/resources/free_and_shareware_sites/


Read the fine print

The EULA (end user license agreement) or Software License Agreement is specific to a software.

It states: The developers terms for you to use the software The conditions for customizing the software (cannot reverse

engineer the product) Export restrictions Governments/unions within which the EULA is applicable EULA is not the same as software distribution license (such as

GPL, GNU, FSF, OSI)


Legal issues

The EULA - applicable in specific countries

UN Convention on contracts (Applies to contracts of sale of goods between parties whose

places of business are in different States)

The Information Technology Act – 2000Talks about use of “electronic records” and “digital certificates”

within governement agencies

Chapter IV – Despatch of “electronic records”


Thank you

Questions?

Email: [email protected]