Topic Summaries

Licenses and legal issues

GCSE > Computer Science > Pearson IGCSE > GCSE Computer Science > COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Impact of technology on society > Licenses and legal issues
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COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Encoding and compression

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Network topologies

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Wired and wireless networks, protocols, and layers

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Threats to computer systems and networks

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Operating systems and utility software

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Types of data

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Producing robust programs

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Designing, creating, and refining algorithms

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • 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.

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