Which term describes software that remains owned by the developer and is accessible only under license terms that restrict usage?

Which term describes software that remains owned by the developer and is accessible only under license terms that restrict usage?

• A. Closed/proprietary
• B. Open-source
• C. Public-domain
• D. Freeware

Answer: (A)

Software licensing and ownership models define how software can be used. When software remains owned by the developer and access is granted under license terms that restrict usage, it is described as closed or proprietary. The license typically limits copying, modification, redistribution, or installation beyond what is allowed. This differs from open-source software, where the source code is available and licenses permit modification and redistribution. Public-domain software has no ownership or licensing restrictions, and freeware is free to use but can still be proprietary with its own restrictions.

Software licensing and ownership models define how software can be used. When software remains owned by the developer and access is granted under license terms that restrict usage, it is described as closed or proprietary. The license typically limits copying, modification, redistribution, or installation beyond what is allowed. This differs from open-source software, where the source code is available and licenses permit modification and redistribution. Public-domain software has no ownership or licensing restrictions, and freeware is free to use but can still be proprietary with its own restrictions.