Public Domain Software
Public Domain software is software that "is in the Public Domain." In layman's terms, it has no owner of the intellectual property. Somebody created the program but has no ownership on the program. Public Domain software are allowed to be edited, changed, copied, and distributed with no restrictions. The reason that there is no ownership of the original program is because they have relinquished the copyright of it. Due to the Berne Convention, everything program created is copyrighted. Therefore in order to make a program that is in the program in the Public Domain there must be steps taken to disown the copyright. [3] One of the big confusions that arises with distinguishing Public Domain Software is the similarity to Freeware and Open Source software. Both of these types of software have the potential to have no limitations on the usage of the program, just like Public domain, but the copyright remains on Freeware and Open Source.
Freeware
Freeware software is software that is available with no cost or has an optional "donation" fee. The software can be fully functional for an unlimited time, or have certain restrictions on functionality that can be changed with shareware or a commercially licensed software. Freeware come coupled with one or more restrictions normally. The author or creator of the program will restrict the ability to copy and distribute the software, or reverse engineer and modify the code of the software. In the license, the software may also restrict the use, such as private, public, non-commercial, non-profit, or non-military use. Another way that the Freeware can be restricted is by not allowing use over a server, network, or disallowing use in combination with another program. The Free Software Foundation often has issues with the term "Freeware". "True Free Software" is software that is supposed to be without restrictions on distribution, modification or use, which Freeware has the potential to not be. The first example of software that was initially deemed classified as Freeware was created by Andrew Fluegelman, and it was called PC-Talk. It has its source code available to the public and was initially distributed without cost. Later, this would become known as "Shareware" as cost was later added to use of it.
Open Source
Open Source software is software that comes with permission for anybody to use, copy, distribute with either modifications or as produced. Open Source software is available free of charge to a user. The important distinction about this type of software is that it needs to have the source code available for view. Open source software is very similar to free software, but it has a distinction. Open source software has available less control in the licenses than free software. The video below is an explanation of Open Source software as well. Open Source software has a large number of criterion that it must fill.
The first is free Redistribution. an Open Source license will not restrict either in part or whole the distribution of the software. As by its name, the product needs to have its source code available. While the source code does not need to be distributed with the product, there needs to be a publicly available area to view and copy the source code. Open source licenses also require for free modification of the original product and allow for distribution of the modification. Open source licenses cannot discriminate against who is able to modify the program. This includes other countries, the government, and certain religions and races. The license may not limit the way that the program, or modification of the program, is used. Open source programs are intended to be used in many facets, and not prevent it from benefiting in every way that it can. The Open Source program cannot be required to be apart of a bundle or be used with another program. Finally, the program is not allowed to be restricted to a certain media or type of technology. [6]