BII2: 2.01 Software Licenses and System Software
Android OS (Android™)
A layered environment built on the Linux kernel foundation that includes not only the operating system, but middleware, which provides additional software for the operating system and additional built-in applications. The operating system was developed by the Open Handset Alliance and is owned by Google. It supports open-source-developed applications and functions and comes with basic operating system services, message passing, and so on.
Software license
A legal document used to control the distribution and use of software. There are five main types of software licenses.
Operating system (OS)
A software package that enables a computer to function. It performs basic tasks, such as recognizing the input from a keyboard, sending the output to a display screen or monitor, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. It creates a user-friendly environment that enables users to use a computer efficiently without having to know the underlying technologies.
Shareware
Free applications that a user can download from the Internet directly. The only difference between freeware and this type of application is that it is usually provided on a trial basis. That is, the user will have to purchase the full version of the software once the trial period expires. Some applications have restricted features. Users can use these features only once they purchase the full version.
BlackBerry OS
Primarily used by professionals to conduct business operations and tasks. This operating system directly supports corporate business requirements with functions such as synchronizing with Microsoft Exchange, IBM® Lotus® Domino®, or Novell® GroupWise® emails, contacts, and tasks by maintaining a high level of security.
Commercial software
Software that is sold to users. As the name suggests, it is intended to meet commercial needs. This type of software does not allow users to access the source code or modify it.
Device Drivers
Specialized software that controls a device attached to a computer.
Utility program
System software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer.
Apple iOS
The base software that allows all other applications to run on an iPhone®, iPod touch®, or iPad®. The interface supports direct touch, multitouch, and using the accelerometer. Interface control elements consist of switches, buttons, and sliders.
Copyleft
The method of ensuring that all original work, and all the derivative works created from it, are kept free and open. The term is used to define a concept that is essentially the opposite of "copyright."
Mac OS X
The operating system developed by Apple Computing, Inc. which is a Linux® derivative, and consists of UNIX-based operating systems and GUIs. This proprietary operating system is included on all Macintosh computer systems.
Microsoft® Windows®
The single most popular and widely deployed operating system on both desktop computers and server systems in the world today. The various versions all feature a graphical user interface (GUI), support for a wide range of applications and devices, a minimum of 32-bit processing, native networking support, and a large suite of built-in applications and accessories such as the Internet Explorer® browser.
Public Domain
The state of belonging or being available to the public as a whole, and therefore not subject to copyright.
Windows Phone OS
Windows smartphones run on this operating system, which is maintained and developed by Microsoft. Features include a suite of Microsoft® Office® applications, Outlook® Mobile, web browsing, Windows Media® Player, and other advanced features.
Linux
An open-standards UNIX derivative originally developed and released by a Finnish computer science student named Linus Torvalds. The source code was posted publicly on a computing newsgroup, and the code was developed and tested cooperatively all over the world. Because the source code is open, it can be downloaded, modified, and installed freely.
Freeware
Applications which can be downloaded from the Internet directly and used without any restrictions.
Chrome OS
Built on the open source Chromium OS, this operating system was developed by Google as its commercial OS. With manufacturing partners, this operating system is installed on laptop computers that are known as Chromebooks.
Firefox OS
Developed by Mozilla, an open source operating system based on Linux.
Open source software
Enables users to access its source code and gives them the right to modify it. It ensures that free and legal redistribution of the software is possible.
