different software licenses - what do they mean (yes, really) - GoFuckYourself.com

Kard63 · 01-20-2009, 12:15 PM

Ok, I've never read a software license in my life. You got me. I actually deserve it for once so please flame me at will- but after you are done please give me a bit of understanding on this.

I usually just ask if something is free or not. If something is open source can I change it and start giving away the modified version? Can I sell this modified version? Can I sell it like it was before when I did nothing but slap my name on it?

That last question is just for understanding, I don't really intend to do that. However, I would like to combine a few bits of open source, add a small enhancement or two, and sell it. I'm guessing this is either ok, or there are different kinds of open source licenses and it is ok for some of them.

HorseShit · 01-20-2009, 12:23 PM

Depending on the original license whether or not you can sell it, I know GPL you have to provide the source code that you modified so it's worthless to sell even if it was allowed

CarlosTheGaucho · 01-20-2009, 01:04 PM

As any license It's always:

1) USE
2) TERRITORY
3) License term

As for software and most probably being an end consumer, you can pretty much mark off the territory, the license term will not be limited unless it's a free trial and the use is the very key thing as well as make sure to check if the updates / new versions etc. are included in the license fee.

01-20-2009, 12:15 PM	#1
Kard63 Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: 237 619 975 Posts: 8,944	different software licenses - what do they mean (yes, really) Ok, I've never read a software license in my life. You got me. I actually deserve it for once so please flame me at will- but after you are done please give me a bit of understanding on this. I usually just ask if something is free or not. If something is open source can I change it and start giving away the modified version? Can I sell this modified version? Can I sell it like it was before when I did nothing but slap my name on it? That last question is just for understanding, I don't really intend to do that. However, I would like to combine a few bits of open source, add a small enhancement or two, and sell it. I'm guessing this is either ok, or there are different kinds of open source licenses and it is ok for some of them. __________________

01-20-2009, 01:04 PM	#3
CarlosTheGaucho Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9,510	As any license It's always: 1) USE 2) TERRITORY 3) License term As for software and most probably being an end consumer, you can pretty much mark off the territory, the license term will not be limited unless it's a free trial and the use is the very key thing as well as make sure to check if the updates / new versions etc. are included in the license fee. __________________ CTG Media \| skype: carlosprague \| cb \|at\| ctgmedia \|dot\| net \| Want to make more with your Dating Traffic? \| Read My Educational Series \| Read my Adult Biz Chronicles \| Did your ad revenue drop by 40 pct. or more last year?

01-20-2009, 12:23 PM	#2
HorseShit Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,513	Depending on the original license whether or not you can sell it, I know GPL you have to provide the source code that you modified so it's worthless to sell even if it was allowed