A business uses various types of software and needs to understand software licensing. (a) Complete the table by describing each type of software licence. [4...
Question 1 Report
A business uses various types of software and needs to understand software licensing.
(a) Complete the table by describing each type of software licence. [4]
| Licence type | Description |
|---|---|
| Proprietary (commercial) | |
| Open source | |
| Freeware | |
| Shareware |
(b) Explain why a business should ensure all software it uses is properly licensed. [2]
(c) State one consequence of using pirated software. [1]
Answer Details
(a) The four main categories of software licence are:
| Licence type | Description |
|---|---|
| Proprietary (commercial) | The software is owned by a company or individual. Users must purchase a licence to use it, and the source code is kept secret so it cannot be viewed, modified or redistributed. Examples include Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. [1] |
| Open source | The source code is made publicly available. Anyone may view, modify and redistribute the software, subject to the terms of the specific open-source licence (e.g. GPL, MIT). This encourages community development and peer review. [1] |
| Freeware | The software can be downloaded and used at no cost. However, the source code is usually not provided, so users cannot modify it. The developer retains copyright and may restrict commercial use. [1] |
| Shareware | The software is distributed for free on a trial basis, often with limited features or a time restriction. After the trial period, the user is expected to purchase a full licence to continue using it legally. [1] |
(b) There are two important reasons a business must ensure proper licensing:
- Using unlicensed software is a criminal offence. The business could face prosecution, substantial fines and reputational damage. [1]
- Unlicensed or pirated software typically does not receive official security updates or technical support from the vendor, leaving the business exposed to vulnerabilities and unable to get help with issues. [1]
(c) A business or individual caught using pirated software can face legal prosecution, resulting in significant financial penalties such as heavy fines, and in serious cases, criminal conviction. [1]
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