Types of computer software licenses

 Free - the full version of the program with this license is completely free. Some software of this type has a license called GPL. A program with such a license is completely free, any user can download and install it. Often, a free license is downloaded and subsequently used completely free; the developer does not ask to pay additional money for the product.

However, any user must necessarily remember that the use of the software may be subject to certain restrictions, including those associated with the use of the program at the international level. For example, the publisher may prohibit the use of the program purely for commercial purposes. But there are a large number of developers who are allowed to use their software for both commercial and personal purposes. You can download these programs on the official websites, and there are no income restrictions on the software you use.

Ad-supported - a program that has this license is provided for free, but its interface contains various advertisements from third-party developers. The Ad-supported software license does not have any restrictions in use and functionality, only the appearance of annoying ads can slightly alert the user.

Distinctive features of this type of license:

• The constant appearance of advertising banners while working in the program.
• When you start the program, web pages with third-party advertisements open.
• A small window may appear with a suggestion to switch an already installed search engine to the one in which it is more comfortable to work, taking into account the features of the program being used.
• You are prompted to download additional programs, for example, an improved version of current software or other unnecessary software. Downloading these components is optional, but notices float so often that they confuse the novice user.

Additional components are thoroughly moderated, so programs that are licensed by Ad-supported are completely safe and cannot harm the system. It often happens that developers offer to purchase a special licensed version of the program, in which case advertising banners may stop appearing. The software functionality is not changed.

Shareware - a program with this license may have minor restrictions on the duration of the work and software functionality. Some programs may have full functionality, but they can only be used for personal, non-commercial use. To get full access to the program and / or use it for commercial purposes, you need to purchase a paid license on the official website of the developer, removing all restrictions.

Trial - the program with this license is provided to the end user completely free of charge, but with restrictions on use. So, after the end of the trial period, the user will have to buy a license. If he does not do this, the use of the program becomes impossible until the purchase of the full version. When purchasing a license of this type, you need to reload the program to work correctly.

Demo version - the program has some limitations in the functionality, for example, you cannot save a file or open an existing one. Restrictions are removed only after purchasing the full version.

Commercial - before using the program will have to purchase the full version. This license has no limitations neither on functionality, nor on opportunities. A commercially licensed program is authorized for profit.