[comp.sys.apple2] Freeware, Shareware, and Public Domain

davidbrierley@lynx.northeastern.edu (04/28/91)

     Public domain (PD) software can be distributed and modified by anyone.

    Freeware is often the same as public domain, but sometimes authors of
freeware maintain copyright over their works.  Often they allow people to
distribute, use, and sometimes modify the program as long as the original
credits remain, etc.

     Shareware is NOT public domain.  With shareware the author waives only
his/her right to distribution, but retains all other copyrights in regards
to commercial sales of the original program and derivative works.  Usually
the user is legally required to send in the shareware contribution if he/she
uses the program, but is free to pass on unaltered copies to anyone.

     For more information on software copyrights consult:

       How to Copyright Software
       M.J. Salone
       Nolo Press