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dtf · Last edited by dtf on Tue Feb 01, 2011 2:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

Can anyone tell me how to determine if a piece of software is in the "Public Domain" ? I hear these words thrown around, and understand the meaning. I just do not know how to determine if a particular software product is actually public domain.
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kolusu · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:17 am Post subject:

dtf,

From google

Public-domain software refers to any program that is not copyrighted. Public-domain software is free and can be used without restrictions. The term public-domain software is often used incorrectly to include freeware, free software that is nevertheless copyrighted.

Here is a link which has more detailed information

http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/categories.html

Hope this helps...

Cheers

Kolusu
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Kolusu
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Kathi · Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:11 pm Post subject:

In the USA all written work, that is letters, music, books and even computer software is protected by a copyright. You do not have to register the copyright with the government to enforce it, but that makes proof of ownership easier. In the USA copyrights run "life of the author + 50 years". Usually when you work for a company they own the copyright, but you are the author.

Enforcing the copyright is another matter.