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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Some well-known examples of proprietary software include:
Advantages[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Microsoft Office
- Free and open-source software
- Software license
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