While most websites will give the software hunter some idea as to the nature of the software, be it free or trial; not all do. However, any programmer worth his or her salt will include an End User License Agreement in some form or another. Putting the EULA (also comes in “software license agreement” or just “license” flavors) within a setup routine for a program is common practice, but they can also be found on websites, README files, and Help menus.
This snippet example from the WinZip website states the WinZip license right on the website itself. Should one want to download the software, this license agreement is out in the open for all visitors. It is important to point out, that with WinZip, that they do not pull any punches about their software. If the website visitor scrolls down a couple of inches, WinZip clearly states that this software is not freeware.
This is the kind of license agreement you want to see; unless you are looking for a free program that is. That said; a clearly defined license is helpful so one understands right off the bat what they can and cannot do with this software. This program will require a fee at some point to continue using it.
What about the free programs then? Free programs carry a variety of licenses, but as a good rule of thumb is to categorize them as home use only or home and commercial use. An example of a home use license (may also be referred to as private use) is show below.
While this is a very short license, there are two points that should stand out. Firstly, this is software is for your own use, not your business or place of work. Secondly, this license does not permit one to deconstruct the software and change the software code. Should you understand the license agreement, you will then click the obligatory “I accept the agreement” and get on with the installation.
A word of caution about End User License Agreements: The people who do not read license agreements really should. Why? There may be legal issues surrounding your use of the software, as well as wording that give the program permission to change your computer settings.
Here we see a potential issue. This portion of the license is having you agree to be of the understanding that the files you are sending and receiving may not be legal to posses.
Here is another precarious matter. Granted, this software swears they are only collecting usage data. In order to collect that information, something has to stay open on your Internet connection to let them get the data (Security issue!!).
In any event, it is worth one’s time to look over the EULA to see what they can and cannot do with the software, and in what capacity it can be used. Should you be in doubt as to some of the wording, contact the program’s author or manufacturer. They will be able to better explain the more cryptic parts of the license.
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