Protecting intellectual property 2 (Edexcel GCSE Computer Science): Revision Notes
Protecting intellectual property 2
Understanding software types
When you use software on your computer or phone, you're working with one of two main types: open-source or proprietary software. The key difference lies in who can access and change the underlying code that makes the software work.
Think of it like recipes - some chefs share their recipes openly so anyone can use and modify them (open-source), while others keep their recipes secret and only sell the finished dish (proprietary).
The fundamental distinction between these software types determines your rights as a user - what you can do with the software, how you can use it, and whether you can modify it to meet your specific needs.
Open-source software
Open-source software comes with a special licence that gives users freedom to access, study, and modify the source code. This means you can see exactly how the software works, like looking under the hood of a car.
Key characteristics of open-source software
Access and modification rights:
- Users can view the complete source code
- Anyone can modify the software to suit their needs
- Modified versions can be shared with others legally
Installation flexibility:
- Can be installed on unlimited computers simultaneously
- No restrictions on the number of users
Support system:
- Help comes from a community of enthusiastic volunteers
- Users often help each other solve problems
- No formal customer service team
Cost considerations:
- Usually free to download and use
- Some specialised versions may charge fees
- No per-user licensing costs
Quality concerns:
- May contain bugs or security vulnerabilities
- Not always professionally tested before release
- Might require technical knowledge to install properly
Common examples
Popular open-source software includes LibreOffice (office suite), Linux (operating system), Android (mobile OS), Firefox (web browser), and Apache (web server).
Real-world impact
Android demonstrates open-source success perfectly. Google built Android by modifying the Linux operating system, and it now runs on over 85% of mobile phones worldwide. This shows how open-source software can become the foundation for massive global platforms, with thousands of developers contributing improvements.
Proprietary software
Proprietary software is owned by a specific company or individual who controls how it's used. The source code remains hidden from users - you only receive the executable file that runs the programme.
Key characteristics of proprietary software
Restricted access:
- Source code is completely hidden from users
- Only executable files are distributed
- Modification attempts are illegal under copyright law
Professional development:
- Thoroughly tested by professional development teams
- Dedicated support staff employed by the company
- Regular security updates and bug fixes
Quality assurance:
- Extensive testing before public release
- Professional customer support available
- Comprehensive documentation and tutorials
Licensing restrictions:
- Must be purchased for each user or computer
- Usage governed by strict licence agreements
- Commercial use often requires expensive licences
Common examples
Well-known proprietary software includes Microsoft Windows, iTunes, macOS, and Adobe Photoshop.
Software licence agreements
When purchasing proprietary software, users must agree to specific terms and conditions. These licence agreements typically specify:
Usage limitations:
- Maximum number of computers for installation
- How many people can use the software simultaneously
- Duration of the licence validity
Purpose restrictions:
- Whether software can be used for educational, commercial, or private purposes
- Geographical limitations on usage
Update policies:
- Whether users must accept automatic updates
- Cost of future version upgrades
Practical considerations for organisations
Schools and businesses must carefully consider which type of software best meets their needs:
Benefits of choosing open-source:
- Cost savings: No licensing fees mean more budget for other resources
- Unlimited installations: Can be installed on every computer without additional costs
- Customisation options: Can be modified to meet specific organisational needs
- No vendor dependency: Not locked into one company's ecosystem
- Community support: Access to global community of users and developers
When proprietary might be better:
- Need guaranteed professional support
- Require software that integrates with existing proprietary systems
- Want comprehensive training and documentation
- Need software with specific specialised features
Key Points to Remember:
- Open-source software allows users to view, modify, and share source code freely
- Proprietary software keeps source code secret and restricts user rights through copyright protection
- Licence agreements for proprietary software specify exactly how the software can be used
- Open-source benefits include cost savings and unlimited installations, making them attractive for schools and organisations
- Professional support and thorough testing are key advantages of proprietary software