Licenses and legal issues

Software licences: control how software can be used and shared.
Open source software: free to use, edit, and share, with its source code being visible and modifiable. Examples include Linux and GIMP. Open source licenses are popular for developers building custom tools as they can easily edit and adapt the code or crowdsource new features and solutions.
- Benefits: encourages collaboration and allows for greater customisation.
- Drawbacks: may lack official support or updates.
Proprietary software: paid and legally owned by a company, so users cannot see or change the source code. Examples include Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. Proprietary software is popular within institutions like government departments or schools that require reliable and secure services.
- Benefits: generally reliable and well-supported (e.g. updated versions, customer support, consumer protection).
- Drawbacks: costly, no ability to modify the software.

Sign up to unlock the rest of this topic — plus every other topic, video, flashcard set and eBook guide in your SnapRevise Digital subscription.

Cancel anytime — instant access the moment you sign up.