Public domain software is not restricted by copyright and can be freely used, copied, or altered. It is often confused with freeware or shareware, which have restrictions. The public domain includes creative works that can be used freely. GNU is an example of public domain software. Free software may not be in the public domain and may have license terms. Public domain software can be found in college libraries and through the Free Software Foundation.
Public domain software refers to software that is not restricted by copyright. It can therefore be freely used, copied or altered, as no one has the rights to limit its use. There are many programs in the public domain, but these are often confused with many other types of software, called freeware, which can be obtained for free, or shareware, which is usually obtained for a very low price. Public domain software is the only type that in most cases does not apply restrictions. Freeware may be copyrighted and shareware certainly is. This means that it is essentially not in the public domain. Someone else may not reproduce the software, copy it for other people, or copy it to sell without violating copyright laws.
The public domain is a general term for anything, usually a creative work, that can be used freely. For example, the Bible is in the public domain. It may be used, copied, sold, quoted, translated or altered without infringing anyone’s copyright or patent rights. An example of public domain software is GNU, which is part of many PC operating systems.
While it is possible to find public domain software listings, you are more likely to find free software listings. In most cases, this software isn’t really in the public domain. Obtaining it means that you have acquired a license to use it. If you’ve ever installed a computer program for free, you’ve probably had to agree to the terms and conditions for using the software. Some of these terms that you agree to may prohibit you from selling, altering, or profiting from the software in any way.
There are a number of free software programs that are not public domain software. For example, you can easily obtain copies of Adobe® Reader®, Netscape®, Internet Explorer® and a variety of other programs. Also, when you buy a computer, you may get several free programs, but again these are licensed only to you, rather than being yours to copy or distribute.
You can find public domain software in a variety of locations. Some college and university libraries offer downloads and catalogs. Some of the coolest public domain software is fundamental to the sciences. Programs like WebLab and Visual Molecular Dynamics allow you to create three-dimensional drawings of molecules. A great place to look for public domain and free software and shareware is the Free Software Foundation (FSF). You’ll find lists of public domain software and any software that automatically grants you licenses to use specific programs. The FSF is also specific in telling you what kind of software you are downloading.
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