Types of licensed software. Options for delivering software products to private users

Software (software)- an integral part of computing technology... As an intellectual property product, software is protected. This protection extends to the legality of copying, changing the software product and is issued in the form of a license. Obtaining a license means agreement with all points of use specified in the agreement. Any unauthorized (without the consent of its author) use of the software is, of course, an unlawful act.

Software licensing

In Russian legislation, the term "license" is interpreted in two ways:

State permit issued by an authorized body for a certain type of activity. The list of areas of activity subject to unconditional licensing is established by law.
Permission of the author or publisher with exclusive rights to the subject of intellectual property (trademark, motion picture, computer program) given to another person for use in a negotiated manner.

Permits are issued by government agencies on the basis of the Federal Law "On Licensing Certain Types of Activities".

Licenses-permits for the use of databases, computer software, as a rule, are concluded as a bilateral agreement. This document is called a license agreement - software license.

Under the agreement, the main copyright holder transfers to the user the right to use the object of the agreement with or without agreed restrictions. The scope of the buyer's authority is determined by agreement of the parties. But the copyright holder can transfer no more rights than he has.

Modern legislation has developed different types of licenses.

1. Exclusive or non-exclusive rights are transferred by agreement. The transfer of non-exclusive rights means that the copyright holder continues to use the intellectual property in the same volume. The user receives equal rights with the copyright holder. The copyright holder may in the future repeatedly transfer the same rights to an unlimited number of persons.

The transfer of exclusive rights to the software leads to the acquisition by the user of exclusive rights to intellectual property. The copyright holder himself can no longer independently exercise the transferred powers, nor transfer their powers to other persons.

2. Another division of types of licenses applies only to computer software licenses: programs can be distributed as OpenWare - under open source terms or without it.

With the option of distribution under open source conditions, the user gets the right to use the software, as well as the source codes of the programs with modification rights. source texts at its discretion, changing to any extent.

In the future, the modified software product can be used depending on the license. Now, two types of licenses have been developed that specify the details of the conditions for transferring software from open source... These are the GNU GPL and FreeBSD. The fundamental difference between them is in the continuity of the properties of the open source: under the GNU GPL license, any software products developed by changing the program code obtained under these conditions can then be distributed only within the framework of the GNU GPL license.

The Free BSD license gives the owner of the software much more freedom: the programs modified by him can be further distributed to other conditions provided by the author of the changes, both free of charge and for a fee.

It should be noted that there are other types of licenses containing the condition for the transfer of the source code by the copyright holder with different amounts of user rights.

3. Often licensing software classified by retribution. So the software is divided into free, shareware and commercial. It should be noted that the free use of programs does not mean the authority to obtain source codes. Frequently, being free of charge also means that there is no guarantee that the software will function properly.

Shareware software license means temporary or functional limitations of the software, which can be removed by paying for the full version.

With paid distribution of software, the user usually receives some guarantees from the manufacturer and his obligations to support the product.

4. Software licensing can be further divided according to the user and the purpose of the contract. This is where EULAs stand out - with end user, and those licenses that provide for revision by the purchaser of the software.

It should be noted that the standard form license agreement EULA has not yet been developed. As a rule, small firms are guided by the text of licensing agreements of large companies, for example, Microsoft.

5. When granting rights to the software to an end user, in some cases it is said about OEM / BOX - "related" licenses and "independently provided".

For OEM deliveries from a computer, a preinstalled software package is purchased. Such licenses are much more profitable financially, but they involve smaller size user authority.

Boxed (BOX) delivery includes software on a carrier and documentation for it. The buyer receives a slightly larger scope of powers. Often a BOX delivery uses a "wrap-around license": an open box signifies acceptance of the license agreement (printed on the wrapper).

Software licensing- the key to the success of the manufacturer. Choosing the right type of license allows the developer or seller to protect intellectual property and optimize the business.

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ESSAY

nand the topic:Licensed and unlicensedcomputer support

Introduction
1. Licensed software
2. Counterfeit software
3. Responsibility for the use of unlicensed software
Conclusion
List of used literature

Introduction

A software license is a legal instrument governing the use and distribution of copyrighted software. Typically, a software license permits the recipient to use one or more copies of the program, and without the license, such use would be considered an infringement of the publisher's copyright. Essentially, a license acts as a guarantee that the publisher of the software, who owns the exclusive rights to the program, does not sue the person who uses it. Non-licensed software is a copyright infringement and the use of non-licensed software is criminalized.

Any personal computer, even the most modern one, without the necessary software installed on it is a heap of iron. In this state, no computer is capable of performing even the most basic operations. So what exactly is software. Software - a set of programs that provide the execution of tasks solved on a computer. All software is supplied on floppy disks, laser discs(CD, DVD) or via the international Internet. Sometimes a software product can cost much more than the computer itself! In the conditions of "poor" Russia, our PC users do not buy expensive licensed products, but are forced, in fact, to violate the Criminal Code by purchasing cheap pirated copies programs. In Russia, the author's control of firms applies only to commercial enterprises: factories, factories, firms, educational institutions.

However, educational institutions are provided with a discount when purchasing licensed software - up to 70%. Tracking the market for all software, you can draw up its classification scheme: "PC software" PC - a set of technical means ( system unit, monitor, keyboard) for creating, processing and storing information. The PC runs under software control. And the program must be written in a language that the computer can understand. The words of such a language consist of 0 and 1. Because in the 60s, computers could only calculate, that is, work with numerical information. In the 70s, the computer learned to work with text. In the 80s - from graphic information... In the 90s - with sound information.

A program is an ordered sequence of commands for a computer, written on special language and placed in a file. The collection of programs and data designed to process them is called PC software. Some programs are built into the permanent memory of the computer, but there are few of them.

Basically they are stored on floppy disks, hard drives, disks. The software is divided into three classes:

1. System software

2. Application software

3. Toolkit of programming.

1. Licensed software

The Licensed Software defines the owner's rights to receive proceeds from the sale of a technically manufactured product. A license from the category of copyright laws. Without a license, all rights to own a product can be challenged in court.

The owner of the software is entitled to redistribute this product, but may not copy it more than twice. As a result, using a licensed software product, you can safely work with it, without fear of being exposed in the use of fake low-quality gadgets, etc.

Nowadays, most Russian companies prefer to work with patented licensed technologies and programs. Since they are the most cost-effective and there will be no danger of being caught working with a pirated copy. In this regard, the use of gadgets based on licensed programs will not cause discomfort when turning to online games or online casinos.

In addition, the licensed software will not suspend its functioning due to a malfunction. But even if such a situation is allowed, there will always be an opportunity to ask for help in debugging or refunding money for a low-quality product.

All software from the licensing side is strictly regulated. Obtaining and using the products is based on the assignment of the license to the groups. These groups are:

Not free;

Free, open.

The differences between these concepts subsequently affect the rights of users of the product. The main point of non-free licenses is that the author of the software in the license gives the opportunity to use the product or a copy of it, but at the same time is the sole owner of all rights to this product. One example of a similar term is the product situation " Microsoft Windows". This technology of circulation is similar to the principle of roulette. It excludes the use of reverse engineering, simultaneous work in the system for more than one user, etc. Many licenses add a number of restrictions. For example, such a situation includes the rights to the license of the game" SolidWorks ". The list of restrictions applies only to certain regions, and provides for the collection of information about the operation of the software.Many licenses stipulate the prohibition of the transfer of the software product to other persons, as in the situation with online casinos.

Free or open source licensing agreements do not allow product duplication, stipulate basic requirements for end users. Namely, the end user is ultimately the sole owner of the product. However, all copyrights remain with the author of the game or software. One true example of a free license is the "GNU General Public License" product. It is thanks to the free license that the user is entitled to distribute the product and change it. In this case, all changes must be written in the source code. All free licenses do not constrain users in their decisions. And this is a big win, where everyone gets their own jackpot.

Of course, you can work with the product without a license, but if you want to change something in the product, it is necessary. And the site russiancasinos.org has it. It is he who is the best provider of online casino games. It offers a unique card counting technique. Thanks to her, you can calculate the opponent's move in advance.

Licensed software is official. Unlicensed software - open source, hobbyist, or hacked.

The license agreement sets out all the rights of the purchaser to the purchased software, and all obligations of the manufacturer and the purchaser towards each other. Usually, the license agreement of a commercial program prohibits the buyer from creating and distributing copies of it, using parts of the program on several different computers, etc.

The license agreement is necessarily transferred to the buyer along with the purchased program. The agreement can be:

Printed on paper (often the manufacturer puts it in the software box);

Printed on the wrapper of the CD containing the program or on the box with the program;

Presented to the user at in electronic format during the installation process.

In all cases, the use of the program implies your agreement to comply with all provisions of the license agreement. If you do not agree with them, you must return the purchased software to the seller (if the license agreement allows such a return).

When buying a licensed copy of a software product, the consumer actually acquires the right (permission) to use it. The copyright for the program itself remains with the author (copyright holder); only the material media on which it is distributed, such as discs, becomes the property of the buyer.

Why do I need licensed software?

Firstly, the use of unlicensed software violates the rights of the manufacturer of this software, and can be punished in the Republic of Belarus by measures of administrative and criminal liability.

Second, the licensed program works better. And not only because pirates could steal an incomplete distribution kit, or inaccurately hack a program. If you bought a licensed antivirus, then you will certainly begin to regularly update the antivirus databases, otherwise it makes no sense to own an antivirus, and your investment in software would be wasted.

2. Unlicensed software

Unlicensed software - bought on the market from pirates, or just downloaded.

Computer piracy - this is a violation of copyright for software, that is, theft of a software product by illegal copying of genuine programs. It is also illegal to distribute and use them, including installing more copies of legally purchased software than provided for by the terms of the license. In addition, manufacturers and sellers of unlicensed software products in most cases, they also violate the rights of manufacturers of software products to trademarks and patents.

When buying a licensed copy of a software product, the buyer actually acquires the rights to use it (non-exclusive property rights). Exclusive property rights remain with the author (rightholder), and only tangible media - discs and documentation - pass into the ownership of the buyer.

In the post-industrial world, the most demanded assets are information and products of intellectual labor. Understanding this seriously affects the cost of so many things, and above all - software. As a result, providing a small publishing house with legal software can cost a little less than building an industrial enterprise. Therefore, it is not surprising that so many entrepreneurs are thinking about how they can reduce their software costs. As a result, in most cases a "pirated" version of software is purchased, the cost of which can be hundreds (or even thousands) times less than its legal counterpart. Citizens are the last to think about the consequences of such a choice and are very surprised to see people in uniform on the threshold of their office.

Programs for electronic computing machines(software, hereinafter referred to as "software") are subject to copyright and as such are protected by applicable law. Their use is possible only by agreement with the copyright holder.

Computer programs (software, hereinafter referred to as "software") are subject to copyright and as such are protected by applicable law. Their use is possible only by agreement with the copyright holder. Such agreements are called licensing agreements. There are currently three ways to join the license agreement:

When you buy a computer (laptop), it may have preinstalled software. These are the so-called OEM versions. As a rule, in this way, programs are distributed that ensure the functioning of the computer (operating systems), as well as the minimum necessary for its use (text and graphic editor, programs for viewing videos and images). The set of programs depends on whether the computer manufacturer has agreements with copyright holders, as well as the positioning of the computer model on the market. Confirmation of the conclusion of the license agreement in this case are special stickers on the computer case and documentation on the computer itself, indicating which programs were installed on it.

Purchase of software on information media in a store. The so-called "boxed versions". Such programs can be accompanied by a corresponding sticker, it can be attached to the box itself, in which case it must also be saved. In addition, in this case, checks, accompanying documentation attached to the information carrier serve as evidence of the conclusion of a license agreement.

The third acquisition method is "volume licensing". In this case, the organization contacts the official representative of the copyright holder and concludes a license agreement with him. This agreement defines the name and number of programs, the number of workstations (computers) on which they can be used. Typically, certificate stickers are also issued in this case. In addition, the signed text of the license agreement, as well as documents confirming the payment, serve as confirmation.

Counterfeit detection. Verification of copyright compliance, as a rule, is carried out by employees of the Department for Combating Economic Crimes (hereinafter - OBEP) or the "K" department dealing with high-tech crimes. Such violations are revealed in the course of operational - search measures or investigation of criminal cases. Operational - search measures are carried out when the competent authorities have reasonable suspicions of using such programs. Unfortunately, in practice, this means that there may be no objective grounds for conducting an audit at all. A visible basis for "internal use" in such cases is some kind of operational information obtained from intelligence sources. The main attention of law enforcement agencies is paid to specialized organizations whose work is related to the use of specialized software. These are, first of all, companies engaged in the field of design, architecture, media, as well as simply large organizations (after all, specialized software for them is expensive). In a number of cases, the grounds for holding such events are statements by copyright holders who, through one channel or another, received information about counterfeit copies of their programs. Your competitors can also act as "applicants". In the conditions of Russian reality, using government agencies as a competitive tool, it is difficult to surprise someone. At the same time, it is necessary to understand that when implementing the "order", the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs may not set themselves the task of "initiating a criminal case." Since the goal here is to persuade to cooperate or cause maximum problems, they go to the elementary time-wasting. The seized computers are being investigated for a long time as part of an administrative investigation. There were cases of return and after a year, as well as cases when information bases on the computer were irretrievably damaged. As a result, the company loses time and money restoring accounting or other "vital" information. If the check is carried out before the initiation of a criminal case, the documents for its conduct must be signed by the head of the department or his deputy (in Moscow, by the deputy or head of the district police department, if the check is carried out by district departments, or by the deputy / head of the Municipal Department of Internal Affairs, if the check is carried out by city departments) ... In the resolution, the full name must be indicated. O. employees participating in the audit, the name and address at which the operational activities are carried out. If a criminal case has already been initiated, then a search is carried out in the premises. In both cases, attesting witnesses participate in the events. A direct consequence of such a check is the seizure of computer equipment. Computers are usually seized "for examination". It should be remembered that there have been cases when entrepreneurs received back incomplete computers, so it is necessary to try to ensure that the protocol contains as many details as possible about the confiscated machine: a description of it appearance, model serial numbers. Bearing in mind what the examination will check, it makes sense to insist on entering into the protocol a list of programs installed on computers. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the results of the audit will not be in favor of the company, and it will most likely be held accountable. Users of illegal software bear administrative, criminal and civil liability.

3. Responsibility for the use of unlicensed software

Administrative liability for copyright infringement occurs in accordance with Art. 7.12 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation "Infringement of copyright and related rights, inventive and patent rights". In accordance with this article, the import, sale, rental or other illegal use of counterfeit copies of works or phonograms for the purpose of generating income (or if false information is indicated on copies of works or phonograms) shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine:

for citizens the fine is from 1,500 to 2,000 rubles;

for officials - from 10,000 to 20,000 rubles;

for legal entities- from 30,000 to 40,000 rubles.

At the same time, materials and equipment used to reproduce them, and other instruments of committing an administrative offense, actions raise certain doubts are also subject to confiscation. If we consider in aggregate part 3 of article 3.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation 5 and paragraph 4 of Art. 1252 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation 6, then we can draw the conclusion that the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation also made: "Regardless of the outcome of the consideration of an administrative offense case by the court, counterfeit goods are subject to seizure and destruction, which is not an administrative penalty." It should be noted that it is rather difficult to verify this point of view, since the share of refusals of courts to bring to administrative responsibility is very small.

In accordance with paragraph 2 of Art. 146 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation 8 "illegal use of objects of copyright or related rights, as well as the acquisition, storage, transportation of counterfeit copies of works or phonograms for sale, committed on a large scale, are punished":

A fine of up to 200,000 rubles, or in the amount of wages or other income,

Compulsory work for a period of 180 to 240 hours,

Imprisonment for up to 2 years.

If these acts are committed on an especially large scale (250,000 rubles), in a group or using an official position, then the sanctions can go up to imprisonment for a period of 6 years, and even with fines.

The dividing barrier between administrative and criminal liability is the amount of damage equal to 50,000 rubles. If, according to the assessment, the cost of counterfeit software is less than or equal to this amount - administrative liability, if more - criminal liability.

The person, by whose will the unlicensed software was used in the activities of the enterprise, is subject to criminal and administrative liability. As a rule, persons involved in this category of cases are either the head of the organization or a technical specialist (programmer, system administrator), on whom job responsibilities entrusted with providing the organization with software and maintaining the fleet of computer equipment in working order.

It should be clearly understood that not all use can lead to liability.

Regardless of the onset of administrative or criminal liability, the person who violated the copyright may be brought to civil liability. This type of responsibility can be divided into two large blocks.

The first is the material liability (compensation for damages, compensation) of the offender to the copyright holder. In accordance with Art. 1252 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the copyright holder has the right to file a claim for damages against the person who illegally used the result of intellectual activity. In the case of counterfeit software, the copyright holder has the right, instead of compensation for losses, to demand compensation from the violator. Compensation is subject to recovery upon proof of the fact of an offense.

In accordance with Art. 1301 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the amount of compensation can range from 10,000 rubles to 5,000,000 rubles. Alternatively, the copyright holder may demand payment of twice the value of the right to use the software based on market prices. The amount of compensation is determined by the court depending on the nature of the violation and other circumstances of the case, taking into account the requirements of reasonableness and fairness.

How to avoid the threat? The best way will definitely not infringe on copyright. But, as the author of these lines has repeatedly heard, "doing business in Russia is in itself a criminal offense," so our entrepreneurs are more interested not in how to comply with the law, but in how not to get caught for violating it.

What advice is there to those who want to avoid close communication with law enforcement on copyright compliance?

Here is the minimum program:

If your financial situation allows, install a licensed operating system, accounting and office programs... Replace the counterfeit software with its free distribution counterparts.

In most cases, this is sufficient for normal operation. The accounting server should only have licensed software. Moreover, it should be visible to the naked eye. Keep as much information as possible on portable media.

Carry out regular copying of working files so that the removal of computer equipment does not paralyze the work of the company as a whole.

Civil liability for the use of unlicensed software.

The application of liability measures provided for by the Civil Code of the Russian Federation is possible only at the request of an organization or a person (software owner) whose rights have been violated. Such liability does not arise automatically and can only be imposed by a court decision.

At the same time, it should be noted that the absence of guilt of the violator of the rights of the owner of the software does not relieve him of the obligation to stop the violation and does not exclude the application of measures aimed at protecting the rights of the owner (clause 2 of article 1250 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

The methods of judicial protection of the owner's rights and the measures of responsibility that may be imposed on the violator of such rights are provided for in Art. 1252 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.

In particular, in order to protect the exclusive right to software, the owner has the right to apply to the court with the requirement:

1) on the recognition of the right - to a person who denies or otherwise does not recognize the right, thereby violating the interests of the owner;

2) on the suppression of actions that violate the right or create a threat of its violation - to the person who commits such actions or makes the necessary preparations for them;

3) on compensation for damages - to a person who unlawfully used the software without concluding a license agreement or otherwise violated his exclusive right and caused damage to him;

4) on the seizure of the material carrier of the software, - to its manufacturer, importer, custodian, carrier, seller, other distributor, unscrupulous acquirer;

5) on the publication of a court decision on the committed violation with an indication of the actual rightholder - to the infringer of the exclusive right.

As an interim measure on the property of the offender (material media of software, equipment, materials), which was allegedly used for the purposes of violating the rights of the owner, the court may seize, as well as apply other interim measures.

In addition, the manufactured and distributed tangible software media, as well as tangible media, the use, import, transportation or storage of which is carried out in violation of the exclusive right of the owner of the software, are considered counterfeit and, by a court decision, are subject to withdrawal from circulation and destruction without any there was compensation (paragraph 4 of Art. 1252 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). Equipment and materials used or intended for the purpose of violating the exclusive right to software are also subject to withdrawal from circulation and destruction at the expense of the violator by a court decision, or are subject to transfer to the income of the Russian Federation.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight the right of the owner of the software to demand, at his choice, from the violator compensation for losses or payment of compensation in case of violation of his legal rights.

Moreover, compensation is subject to recovery from the violator only if the fact of the violation is proven and regardless of the presence or absence of losses from such a violation, and the owner does not fulfill the obligation to prove the amount of the damage caused to him.

The presence or absence of stickers on the distribution boxes also does not mean anything. Anything can be faked. By the way, sometimes we are asked when selling electronic licenses to write them to disk or print them so that they can be "handed over to the warehouse". In this case, the disc is not "branded", and the paper with the keys is not supplied by the software manufacturer.

Conclusion

The whole range of software is simply inexhaustible. Every half hour more and more new programs appear in the world. Some of them will remain unknown, some will receive worldwide recognition. The creation of software for personal computers has evolved over a decade from being a lone programmer to an important and powerful industry.

Therefore, the development of software intended for a wide range of users is no longer taking place in a competition of individual programmers, but in the process of a fierce competition between manufacturing firms. In addition, the creation of new programs entails the development of new components that can fully cover all the requirements of the program necessary for its normal functioning.

Numerous types of licensing agreements provide the copyright holder with a wide range of tools for effectively enforcing and protecting their rights to software. End users purchasing software should be aware of the legal risks of using unlicensed software products. licensed copyright holder agreement

Software - a set of programs that provide the execution of tasks solved on a computer. All software is supplied on floppy disks, laser disks (CD, DVD) or via the international Internet. Sometimes a software product can cost much more than the computer itself!

In the conditions of "poor" Russia, our PC users do not buy expensive licensed products, but are forced, in fact, to violate the Criminal Code by purchasing cheap pirated copies of programs (70-150 rubles). In Russia, the author's control of firms applies only to commercial enterprises: factories, factories, firms, educational institutions. However, educational institutions are provided with a discount when purchasing licensed software - up to 70%.

List of used literature

1. Kolesnichenko D.N. Self-study guide Linux. - St. Petersburg: Science and technology, 2012 .-- 460 p.

2. Leontiev V.P. Personal Computer. Universal user guide. - M .: OLMA-PRESS, 2012 .-- 365 p.

3. Figurnov V.E. IBM PC for the user, ed. 5th. - St. Petersburg: JSC "Koruna", 2014. - 352 p.

4. Unlicensed software and risks for cybersecurity // Pavel Soper, John F. Grantz. Access mode: http://globalstudy.bsa.org/2013/Malware/study_malware_ru.pdf, checked 1.01.2015.

5. Unlicensed software: risks and responsibility // Rossol Sergey. Access mode: http://delo-press.ru/articles.php?n=5013, checked on 1.02.2015.

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Options for delivering software products to private users

There are several options for delivering licensed software to a private user.

OEM version

The version is pre-installed by purchasing new computer(laptop), as a rule, the operating system (OS) and other basic software packages are already installed on it. This means that you need choose an operating system before you software. All important programs are already included in the delivery. All licensed software is "tied" to the computer.

Boxed version (BOX).

As part of the boxed version, you receive a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), an End User License Agreement (EULA *), which can be presented in both printed and electronic form (the second option is more common). By purchasing the BOX version, you have the right to install the software on any computer an unlimited number of times, provided that the "old" version is removed first. The OEM licensing option is cheaper, but "ties" the user's software to the computer. BOX versions remove this limitation, but their cost is usually higher (costs for making a box, printing, etc.). When choosing the type of licensing, consider these facts, because this can save you some money in the future. Home licenses tend to be cheaper than similar office products. This means you save your budget and can spend the "difference" on something equally useful. The majority of software sales are electronic licenses.

Electronic license

An electronic license is a license key sent to an e-mail address - the fastest type of delivery. Setup files the program (distribution kit) is downloaded from the official website of the manufacturer. License key is entered into a special window for registration and license verification, usually this item is located in the "About" or "Help" menu.

Computer protection

Many users know that a virus or Trojan can be picked up in the installation versions of pirated software. This means that the security of information (photos, documents, videos, and more) may be at risk. Licensed software 100% excludes the fact of availability malware, which means that all data will remain completely safe. "Pirated" copies often malfunction, or even are not installed on the computer at all: in order to place as many programs on the disk as possible, "pirates" cut out entire partitions from them. When buying, legal users are completely protected from such surprises. Software manufacturers ensure the required industrial quality of their products - the discs contain the full original program code, are guaranteed to be readable on any PC and do not carry viruses.

Convenient payment system

You can pay for the license in different ways (bank card, electronic money, SMS, Qiwi terminal, etc.). This means that you use the option that is more profitable and simple for you. And if for some reason you cannot use one of the payment methods (for example, blocking the card upon expiration), there is always an opportunity to choose another one, no less fast and convenient.

Fast delivery

Any client of our online store can get a license almost instantly to the address by e-mail... This gives you additional advantages, both in time (you don't need to go anywhere) and in protecting your computer (very important for buying or renewing a license for an antivirus program, some other licensed products responsible for system security). Delivery of physical goods is carried out in accordance with the terms of delivery.

Taking care of you. Extended package of services

Company " Softwizard»Takes care of every client. Installation and maintenance of purchased programs at home is carried out through a network of our partners, who will explain the nuances and answer all questions related to the software **. We do not leave the client alone with questions. If you have any technical questions, please.

Briefly about the main

Licensed software:

will save your computer from hacker attacks(antiviruses, firewalls);
guarantees the stable performance of the software;
provides access to important updates that improve the performance of a particular program;
allow you to contact the technical support service, which will help resolve the issue with the software product;
will minimize software incompatibility (in comparison with pirated versions);
easy to pay in a way convenient for the client;
almost instant license delivery;

Choose programs in our catalog! If you have a question, please contact our consultants.

* - EULA (from the English End User License Agreement)— end user license agreement, which specifies important aspects of using the software product: the number of installations under one license, the ability to transfer the product to another computer, the need for activation and the availability of technical support, all necessary components to confirm the legality of the software. The agreement can be either in electronic form (appears before installing the product) or in hard copy.

** - services are provided in accordance with the rules of the partner company. Company " Softwizard»Is not responsible for the work of third parties.

So, to begin with, it should be said that each type of license is intended for a specific consumer, the division into types was done so that users can choose what will be more profitable and more convenient for them.

You've probably heard expressions like Box or OEM, freeware, shareware or trial a lot.
Let's try to understand the types of licenses and how they are distributed.
Here I will describe the main types of licenses that ordinary users face:

BOX(Retail, FPP - from English retail, retail) - The version for retail, distributed, as the name implies, in small boxes, most of all corresponds to the idea of how a real licensed software product should look like, due to the fact that the buyer of this usually receives: a license agreement, a certificate of authenticity (possibly in electronic form on a carrier), a distribution kit with a software product (possibly with a hologram, protection against counterfeiting).

It is also possible to have a sticker from the manufacturer, such as these:

This type of license is usually for 1 PC, less often the manufacturer indicates on the box for 2 PCs or more, respectively, the price will be higher than for the 1st. In this case, there will be only one key, when installing the product, it will be entered once, then it will be activated, most often via the Internet or phone.

As for the OS distributed in this way: On the box they have all necessary information, version, edition, outside sticker indicating serial number, a sticker with an activation key inside, activation instructions, a distribution kit (with a hologram).

It is possible to install OS from BOX edition on any computer that satisfies system requirements, you can also transfer the system to another computer by removing it from the previous one and installing it on the next PC. It can be used simultaneously on as many machines as indicated on the box, as a rule it is only 1pc. You can put it on several computers, perhaps such systems will be activated, but they will no longer be considered licensed. Especially since Windows Vista/ Windows Server 2008R2 / Windows7, authentication has become stricter, and most likely by activating several systems with a key for one computer, the key will be blacklisted and you will lose your license.

P.S: As a rule, all pirated copies of the OS (mainly Windows XP) that most users have come with a key from such a Retail (Box) version.

The advantages of this type of software:

1) Visual presentation, colorfulness, beautiful stickers from the manufacturer
2) The presence of a distribution kit, you can install immediately, and not download from the Internet
3) Such a product can be installed on any PC that meets at least the minimum system requirements.

Minuses:

1) High price.
2) A high percentage of fakes, often good quality difficult to distinguish from real copies.

OEM(English Original Equipment Manufacturer - original equipment manufacturer) - The software version intended for manufacturers of PC components, assemblers of ready-made PCs, manufacturers of laptops (netbooks). It is distributed without additional materials and accompanying goods, in packaging without registration, which guarantees only the safe transportation of the goods. Because it is not designed for ordinary buyers. Basically, it contains only the distribution kit and the activation key (less often only the activation key, it is assumed that the manufacturer / assembler of the PC already has the distribution kit).
Such a product is much cheaper than other types of licenses, if compared with BOX versions, the savings can be from 10 to 50%!
In most developed countries, the sale of OEM software licenses to potential buyers separately from the computer is prohibited, which does not prevent you from often seeing such nondescript cardboard boxes on the shelves of small shops.

As for the OEM OS: All operating systems installed on laptops that we see in the store are OEM licenses, the key is usually located on the bottom of the laptop.
Also, on many simple PCs in educational institutions and companies, you can find a sticker with a key and the name of the OS, these are also OEM versions that such institutions acquire under a special license, which is much cheaper and more profitable than colorful BOX products.

Peculiarities: You can often see ads on the Internet like, bought a laptop, Vista is there, demolished - I didn't like it. Who needs a key - sell / give and so on. Now I will explain why it looks at least silly.
Since laptops are equipped with OEM versions of the OS, and such versions are designed for pre-installation by manufacturers, therefore, they cannot be sold or given away. Therefore, they are specially attached (theoretically) to the hardware of a laptop or a simple PC (mainly motherboard). Therefore, it is unlikely that you will be able to take your laptop key, install it on another PC, install something to install, but activation may not work.

Pros of OEM type of licensed software:

1) The cost is much lower if you buy complete with a PC
2) Even if your key is stolen, they will not be able to use it, because the software will only work on your PC
3) Buying a computer, you get it with a ready-made system, you do not need to invent a bicycle

Cons stem from the pros:

1) Without a ready-made PC, you are unlikely to be sold such software
2) You will be able to use only with the PC with which you purchased together, if the PC fails, count it and there will be no license either
3) Many are unhappy with the fact that they are imposed on this or that OS when they buy a laptop, simply because the cost of the OS is already included in the price of the PC.

GGK or Get Genuine Kit(English Genuine licensing package) - Quite an interesting proposal from Microsoft for licensing non-licensed / cracked / pirated copies of the OS already installed on a PC. The delivery option for such a package is possible for the following software products: Windows XP Professional / Home Edition, Windows Vista Home Basic / Home Premium / Business. The delivery set includes:
1 - Distribution with a licensed copy of the OS
2- Certificate of Authenticity (a special sticker confirming the license, which is glued to the PC case).

The advantages of this type of licensing:

1) You can license the OS without performing a clean install. That is, we get a licensed one from a pirated OS, I do not format the disk and without spending time on reinstalling and transferring all the information you need
2) You can purchase a package for licensing multiple operating systems (relevant for enterprises)

Cons of this type of licensing:

1) You can license the selected OS only once, it will not work to transfer it to another computer, that is, the clause of the license agreement strictly assigns it to the PC on which the licensing was carried out. As in the case of OEMs, there are no protection mechanisms, only in legal terms.
2) The cost of this licensing option is slightly higher than the cost of the OEM package (comparable to it), but lower than the cost of the BOX version.

There are several more types of licenses, but they are usually for large organizations, subscribers of software developers and dealers (we will not dwell in detail):

Volume Licensing- Corporate licenses for organizations and enterprises that need 5 or more licensed copies of the software. In this case, only a set of licenses (activation keys) and one documentation for their activation for the entire set are supplied.
Distributions, boxes, etc. are missing. It is possible to conclude a supply contract for several years, free improvement, with special offers and discounts, close cooperation. Organizations can acquire this type of licenses even via the Internet in electronic form, so it is economically very profitable and justified.

EA or Enterprise Agreement- Microsoft corporate licenses for large organizations and enterprises, whose fleet consists of more than 250 PCs, who are ready to choose Microsoft - the main platform of the corporate standard and to work with it. The terms of the agreement imply the provision of basic products and their ongoing technical support. Basic products include:
1 - Windows Vista Business
2 - Microsoft Office Professional Plus / Enterprise
3 - A set of client licenses allowing access to Microsoft servers.
Clients of this licensing system are given the opportunity to use the most latest versions of these declared products.

Now a little about the main ways of distributing software:

1) Freeware(from English - free software) - Distributed free of charge, mainly via the Internet, along with printed editions on disks and software collections. Does not require payments in favor of the copyright holder and developer of this type of software. Both open and closed source distribution is possible.

2) Shareware(from English - shareware software) - Distributed free of charge, mainly via the Internet, along with printed publications on disks and software collections. But unlike Freeware, it contains a request / offer to pay the developer of this software. Perhaps it has limited functionality: working time, yt commercial use, limitation of other functions, until a full license is obtained. Usually closed source (cannot be improved / modified).

3) Trialware / Demoware(from English - limited, demo software) - Distributed completely free of charge, to everyone, mainly via the Internet. Has limited functionality: number of starts, blocked functions, operating time, etc. It is closed source.

Some information was taken from the official site of Microsoft (Russia)
Images taken from the Knicks computer supermarket website.
All wishes and criticism to the article will be listened to and taken into account in future articles, as necessary, material will be added to this article.

There is a lot of different software on the Internet. Most users do not think about copyright for computer products, and yet this issue is not so simple. Today we will try to figure out what licensed software is, what it is, and whether it is possible to get it for free. We will also highlight the problem of consumer liability for illegal use of software.

In this article, we will consider only the main points related to this topic, since it is very voluminous, and it is not possible to show everything.

What it is

Let's start with a definition. This is the ownership of the software registered in the authorized bodies. A legal tool that defines the rules for the use, copying, distribution of OS, multimedia applications, games. Typically, such an agreement permits the purchaser of the product to work with one or more copies of the product. Lack of permission, within the scope of the law, is an infringement of copyright.

For the creator, formalization of ownership is a guarantee that his intellectual property will not be used for commercial purposes by other people.

For the consumer, this is a guarantee that the publisher will not sue him for illegal exploitation of his property.

The licensed software is registered with the owner and can be verified if necessary. The distribution itself or documentation is not a sign of a certificate.

What is the contract

This is a regular text, which stipulates the duties and responsibilities of the parties. The agreement can be attached to the purchased product on paper or electronically if the purchase was made online. The second option is called "wrapping". This means that the terms of the transaction are indicated on the application packaging or in the application itself. In the latter case, the user ticks the box agreeing with the text presented. Confirmation of consent and installation is equal to a regular signature.

License agreement types

According to the agreement, the creator of the product and the owner of all rights to it is called the licensor, and the other party is called the licensee. The document defines the scope of the use of property and may have several variations.

Simple / non-exclusive. The buyer receives a basis for the use of intellectual property. The owner reserves the prerogative to sell the software features to others.
Exceptional. The utility can only be operated by one user who has acquired the rights.

The agreement assumes simple and non-exclusive ownership unless otherwise specified. This type is most often found in distributed operating systems ah for computers and laptops.

What documents confirm that the software is licensed

You can confirm the legality of the software by the following criteria:

Certificate of Authenticity. It is not always provided by the manufacturer.
The presence of branded holograms and stickers on the box (when the box version is delivered).
End User Agreement (traditional or electronic).
User guide. Not in all cases.
Original packaging with BOX version.
Any documentation included with the product.
Reporting for delivery and sale and purchase (invoice, invoice).

Acquisition methods

BOX or FPP

The media with the attachment, documentation and confirmation are packed in the box. Available from retail stores. The main buyers are small businesses and individuals. Usually, the purchaser gets the right to use the program on one computer - this is indicated on the container. Otherwise, the price increases.

The key for such a product is one and is activated via the Internet or phone. You can install it on any media, remove it, transfer it to another PC.

The disadvantages include high price, a large percentage of forgeries that are difficult to distinguish from originals.

OEM

A version of the software developed for manufacturers and assemblers of laptops and components. It is sold without colorful packaging or additional materials. Contains application media and activation password. This permission is much cheaper, but it is not allowed for sale to ordinary buyers. In the store you buy equipment with just such software.

The downside for a simple consumer is that the OS can only be used with a purchased PC.

GGK

Special offer from Microsoft... It consists in licensing already installed operating systems: cracked, pirated versions. Distributed on Windows XP, Vista, Home Basic, Premium. The user receives a distribution kit with original products and a certificate of authenticity.

Volume Licensing

For firms that need more than five copies. Supplied without box and other contents as in BOX. One activation agreement is drawn up and the required number of keys is issued. This variety is cost effective for small businesses.

EA

For large corporations that require over 250 software versions.

Subscription
Software subscription, billed monthly or annually.

Types of software licenses

Acquisition of software is the purchase of the right to use a certain amount of software.

By the number of owners:

Network. For enterprises where several or all employees must use the same software. Suitable for large holdings and organizations.
Local. Installed on one PC and only works on it.

ZWSOFT offers applications for engineering calculations: CADbro, SPDS GraphiCS, CAD Pockets, with local, network, corporate, permanent and temporary licenses.

According to the method of payment, computer utilities are divided into three main types, each of which contains subgroups.

Shareware

This includes the following types:

Demo, demoware. Demo variation of the application. Its purpose is to show the potential buyer what the product is capable of. The downside is that you won't be able to try the software at work.
Shareware. These are developments that are provided free of charge only for an evaluation period or with reduced functionality. Trial, trialware. A type of licensed software similar to the previous one, but with a full set of features for a specific time period. This can be an access period of 14, 7, 30, 90 days. In some cases, the publisher counts the usage time by launches. For example, a customer can work in an application 10 times and then need to buy it. trial versions from the manufacturer ZWSOFT, you can test the functionality, with a limit on the size of the saved file, export within 30 days.

Paid

Payware (comercial). Distributed only after payment and is protected by copyright law. The main goal of development is to make a profit for the owner. Such a product can be developed for a specific customer or a group of several customers. Often the developer doesn't release a trial version.

This group can also include types of computer software that can be used free of charge, but with certain conditions: an indication of a link to a publisher, an exchange for something, with a reminder that the author did not receive money, beta versions of applications.