This is a real tricky area when it comes to business. Many businesses knowingly, or unwittingly, disregard the terms of their software user licenses. The main license types are:
Free License
There is no fee charged for downloading or installing the software. At no further stage is there a charge to continue using the software. You must be careful as there can be specific terms in the license such as prohibiting the use of the software for commercial purposes. What this means in real-world-speak is that if you were going to use some free software, such as a word processor to type all your business documents or a database to manage your customers, the software author may require you to either credit him (or her), or pay a fee for commercial use.
A Word of Warning: There is lots of free software out there and it rarely comes with any support. Commercially-minded software houses use this as an opportunity to sell support, rather than the software.
Single-user License
This is where you pay for a single license for either a user, or a computer. The same software (with the same license key) must not be installed on any other machine. You need to make sure that you buy enough licenses for your staff. If you are buying 5 or more licenses, you may be able to take up bulk-purchase deals.
Bulk License
This type of license is where you buy the media (the install disk) with the ability to load the software on a number of machines. The license limits the total number of machines you can install it on.
Site License
This type of license is available for major corporations with hundreds or thousands of users. They are given a license key which will be accepted on any number of installations. This licence is very expensive, but is worthwhile for high user bases.
Educational License
This type of license is offered at a reduced price in order to enable educational establishments such as schools and colleges to teach people the skills to use this commercial software. This excludes private colleges and institutions not offering government-accredited learning.
A Word of Warning: This type of license is being sold on Ebay. Disclaimers tell people to make sure that they are purchasing the correct software, but don't make this very clear. Be careful, as if you buy this type of license for your business, you are contravening the terms of your license.
Open Source
This is a type of software that allows people to see the programming (or 'source code') for the software. This then allows people to develop add-ons and extra goodies specific to their requirements. This isn't all, but to go through it all now would just make the mind boggle.
About Me
I love all things FREE! So long as they're good. I believe in minimising cost while getting the best that I can. Find information on the best FREEWARE, best free services on the web and the most cost-effective solutions to business problems.
I started my working life being a bit of a computer nerd when computers were really starting to be used in offices. I learned to type (accurately, and fast). I learned to use a switchboard and various e-mail and word-processing software. I learned about document standards and office processes.
I became a call-centre agent for a customer service and complaints department. I became a data analyst and was then promoted to a project manager.
Spending two years managing projects up to a six-figure sum, specialising in contact-centre project implementation and complementary mails services, my career took an alternative direction.
In my spare time I was learning all I could about using computers - installing, building, fixing and networking them. My working life built my MS Access skills and telecoms management knowledge.
Being a desktop application guru in all my positions for the previous ten years, I then became a trainer for a national business skills training company.
Identifying training needs of clients and developing their career prospects, selling specialised training packages and supporting students in their learning became my daily life. Add to this the maintenance of the iT in the training environment and supporting offices, I became a competent networking and iT support specialist. Providing solutions to workday issues using iT is one of my best strengths.
Having a good education behind me, my spelling and grammar are good. I am an efficient typist and an expert in small office iT.
I started my working life being a bit of a computer nerd when computers were really starting to be used in offices. I learned to type (accurately, and fast). I learned to use a switchboard and various e-mail and word-processing software. I learned about document standards and office processes.
I became a call-centre agent for a customer service and complaints department. I became a data analyst and was then promoted to a project manager.
Spending two years managing projects up to a six-figure sum, specialising in contact-centre project implementation and complementary mails services, my career took an alternative direction.
In my spare time I was learning all I could about using computers - installing, building, fixing and networking them. My working life built my MS Access skills and telecoms management knowledge.
Being a desktop application guru in all my positions for the previous ten years, I then became a trainer for a national business skills training company.
Identifying training needs of clients and developing their career prospects, selling specialised training packages and supporting students in their learning became my daily life. Add to this the maintenance of the iT in the training environment and supporting offices, I became a competent networking and iT support specialist. Providing solutions to workday issues using iT is one of my best strengths.
Having a good education behind me, my spelling and grammar are good. I am an efficient typist and an expert in small office iT.
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