7.2 Ethics&Ownership.copyright_issues Flashcards
What is software piracy?
using or making illegal copies of software
What is a product key used for in software?
It is a security method used to protect against illegal copies or use.
What does Digital Rights Management (DRM) do?
It controls access to copyrighted material.
What is the Free Software Foundation?
An organisation promoting the free distribution of software, giving users the freedom to run, copy, change, or adapt the code.
What is the Open Source Initiative?
An organisation that supports free software development with a focus on the practical outcomes of open collaboration.
What is freeware?
Software that can be downloaded free of charge but is still protected by copyright and cannot be modified or repurposed.
What is shareware?
Software that is free to use for a trial period, with full access granted after purchasing the full version.
Is it legal to make a copy of software and give it away or sell it?
No, it is illegal to copy software and distribute it without permission.
Can software be used on multiple computers without a special licence?
No, a multi-use licence is required to legally use software on a network or multiple computers.
Is it legal to use code from copyrighted software in your own project without permission?
No, using copyrighted code without the copyright holder’s permission is illegal.
Can a software package be rented out without permission?
No, renting out software without permission is illegal
Is it legal to use the name of copyrighted software on another software product?
No, using a copyrighted software name without agreement is illegal.
What is the purpose of a product key during software installation?
To ensure the software being installed is a legitimate, licensed copy.
What must a user agree to during software installation?
The licence agreement, usually by clicking a button or checkbox
How does packaging help prevent software piracy?
Genuine software packaging often includes a hologram sticker warning against illegal copying.
What is the purpose of requiring a CD/DVD/memory stick to be in the drive to run software?
To prevent illegal copying and multiple or network use of the software
What is a dongle in the context of software protection?
A physical device that must be plugged into a USB port for the software to run, helping to prevent unauthorised use.
What is the role of the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST)?
To protect the UK software industry by prosecuting copyright infringements.
What was the original purpose of Digital Rights Management (DRM)?
To control what devices a CD could play on, helping to prevent illegal copying.
How does modern DRM work?
It uses protection software to control copying and usage of digital media such as music, videos, and ebooks.
Give an example of a restriction DRM might impose on a user.
Allowing a music file to be streamed but not copied, or limiting an ebook to one device.
What happens if a user attempts to break DRM copyright protection?
The copy created will be defective and will not work
How does DRM control access through licensing?
Products may include a key that licenses a single user on one device, which must be registered.
How does Apple Music use DRM?
It prevents users from downloading all music during a free trial and then cancelling the subscription.
What is commercial software?
Software available for a fee, with a licence for use on a single device or multiple devices, and is fully protected by copyright.
Can code from commercial software be reused without permission?
No, none of the code can be used without prior consent from the copyright owner.
What do the Free Software Foundation and the Open Source Initiative promote?
They promote the freedom to run, copy, change, and adapt software.
What are the four freedoms of free software?
- Run the software for any legal purpose
- Study and modify the source code
- Redistribute the software
- Distribute modified versions of the software
Do users need permission to exercise the four freedoms of free software?
No, but there are certain conditions and restrictions
Name one restriction on using open source code.
You cannot add source code from software that is not also free or open source
What is the Free Software Foundation’s focus?
The rights and freedoms of the recipient of the software
What is the Open Source Initiative’s focus?
The practical benefits of free software, especially collaboration and development.
What is the principle of Free Redistribution in the OSI?
The licence must allow the software to be sold or given away without royalty.
What must be included according to the OSI’s Source Code principle?
The source code must be available in a modifiable and usable form.
What does the Derived Works principle allow?
Modifications and derivative works that can be redistributed under the same licence.
What does Integrity of the Author’s Source Code allow?
Distribution of patch files for modified builds and requires modified versions to have different names or numbers.
What is prohibited by the No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups principle?
The licence must not discriminate against individuals or groups lmao
What does No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavour mean?
The software must be usable in any field, such as business or research
What is the Distribution of License principle?
Licence rights must apply to all recipients without needing an additional licence
What does License Must Not Be Specific to a Product mean?
Licence rights should not be dependent on being part of a particular software package.
What restriction is disallowed under the License Must Not Restrict Other Software principle?
The licence cannot require other distributed software to also be open source
What is the Technology-Neutral requirement for OSI-approved licences?
No licence condition may depend on specific technology or interface styles
What is freeware?
Freeware is software that can be downloaded and used free of charge, such as Adobe Reader or Skype.
Is freeware protected by copyright?
Yes, freeware is subject to copyright laws, and users must agree to terms and conditions.
Can users modify the source code of freeware?
No, users cannot study or modify freeware source code
What is shareware?
Shareware is software offered for free for a trial period, after which a fee must be paid to continue using it.
What happens after paying for shareware?
The user is registered, and they receive full access to features, updates, and support.
Are users allowed to use or modify shareware source code?
No, shareware is protected by copyright and source code use requires permission.
Do trial versions of shareware include all features?
No, some features are often disabled or limited until the full version is purchased.
