Proprietary software

Proprietary software is a type of software that is legally restricted in its use, modification, and distribution. These restrictions are typically enforced through software license agreements. Proprietary software is also known as closed-source software, as its source code is not made available to the public.

Characteristics

Proprietary software is characterized by the following features:

• Restricted Access to Source Code: The source code of proprietary software is not available to users. This means that users cannot modify or inspect the code.
• Licensing: Users must agree to a software license that dictates how the software can be used. These licenses often prohibit activities such as reverse engineering, redistribution, and modification.
• Support and Updates: Proprietary software often comes with official support and regular updates from the software vendor. These updates may include new features, security patches, and bug fixes.

Examples

Some well-known examples of proprietary software include:

• Microsoft Windows
• Adobe Photoshop
• Apple macOS
• Microsoft Office

Advantages

Proprietary software offers several advantages:

• Professional Support: Users typically have access to professional support services provided by the software vendor.
• Regular Updates: Proprietary software often receives regular updates, including new features and security patches.
• Quality Assurance: Proprietary software is usually subject to rigorous testing and quality assurance processes.

Disadvantages

There are also several disadvantages associated with proprietary software:

• Cost: Proprietary software often requires the purchase of a license, which can be expensive.
• Lack of Flexibility: Users cannot modify the software to suit their specific needs.
• Vendor Lock-In: Users may become dependent on a single vendor for updates, support, and compatibility with other software.

Comparison with Free and Open-Source Software

Proprietary software is often contrasted with free and open-source software (FOSS). Unlike proprietary software, FOSS allows users to access, modify, and distribute the source code. This can lead to greater flexibility, lower costs, and a collaborative development environment.

See Also

• Free software
• Open-source software
• Software license
• Shareware
• Public domain software

Related Pages

• Microsoft Windows
• Adobe Photoshop
• Apple macOS
• Microsoft Office
• Free and open-source software
• Software license