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Digital Copyright Information

Computer Software Usage
There are various types of restrictions on the copying and use of software. Software may be copyrighted as a single copy, site license, shareware, or public domain:

Single copy: Software may be used on one single machine at a time. Some software is restricted to be used on one specific machine.

Site license: Software is purchased under an agreement that allows a specific number of copies to be made of the software. The restrictions on the copying of software sold under a site license agreement should be understood before copying.

Shareware: User-supported software that is copyrighted but the developer encourages individuals to make copies and distribute to others. The developer generally asks for a small donation or registration fee if the user plans to use the software.

Public domain: Software that is not subject to any copyright restrictions and may be copied and shared freely.

The following statement is taken from the EDUCOM Code on software and intellectual rights: Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, right to privacy, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution. Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community.