Free licensed software

 Free licensed software

Free licensed software refers to software that is made available to users without requiring payment for its use. However, it's essential to understand that "free" in this context does not necessarily mean "no cost"; instead, it refers to the freedom to use, modify, distribute, and share the software.

There are different types of free licenses, the most notable being:

1. Open Source Software (OSS): Open source software is released with a license that grants users the freedom to view, modify, and distribute the source code. Popular open-source licenses include the GNU General Public License (GPL), MIT License, Apache License, and many others. Users can download, use, and often redistribute the software without any charge. Additionally, they can access and customize the underlying source code according to their needs.

2. Freeware: Freeware is software that is made available by the developer free of charge. Users can download and use the software without paying any fees, but the source code may not be accessible or modifiable. Examples of freeware include various utilities, media players, and small applications.

3. Shareware: Shareware is software that is initially provided for free, allowing users to try it out before deciding whether to purchase the full version with additional features or without certain limitations. While users can use the software freely during the trial period, some functionalities might be restricted until a license is purchased.

It's important to note that "free" software can still have certain restrictions depending on the specific license it is distributed under. For example, some licenses may require that any modifications to the code be shared under the same license (copyleft licenses), while others may allow for more flexibility in how the software is used and distributed.

Common examples of free licensed software include:

• The Linux operating system, which is distributed under various open-source licenses.
• Mozilla Firefox web browser, which is open-source and released under the Mozilla Public License (MPL).
• LibreOffice, an open-source office suite.
• VLC Media Player, an open-source multimedia player.

Before using any free licensed software, it's essential to review the specific terms of the license to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding its use, modification, and distribution.