From:	71231 DOT 104 AT compuserve DOT com (Richard Slobod)
Newsgroups:	comp.os.msdos.djgpp
Subject:	Re: ANNOUNCE: PLUSH 3D V1.1
Date:	Fri, 11 Apr 1997 22:25:03 GMT
Organization:	Warwick Online
Lines:	30
Message-ID:	<334eb4c1.3803611@news.warwick.net>
References:	<199704102230 DOT SAA17272 AT delorie DOT com>
NNTP-Posting-Host:	m258-12.warwick.net
To:	djgpp AT delorie DOT com
DJ-Gateway:	from newsgroup comp.os.msdos.djgpp

DJ Delorie <dj AT delorie DOT com> wrote:
>
>> Freeware software is copyrighted by the author, and the author does not 
>> necessarily have to release the source code.
>
>Close.  "Freeware" means the author has chosen to release the source
>code, at least in the commonly used sense.

The first definition above seems to fit how I've usually seen the word
used, although I would add that while the term is indeed usually
reserved for free software that is copyrighted, as opposed to public
domain, even that is not really explicitly specified (note the
occasional use of more precise terms like "copyrighted freeware",
which I've seen used on a number of occasions).

>
>In general, *all* software is copyrighted by the author, unless the
>author assigns or disclaims it.  Employment contracts usually include
>an implicit assignment of copyright to the employer.
>
>> Public Domain on the other hand, is not copyrighted, thus, you're allowed to 
>> use the source/program in commercial use or sell the software.
>
>Close.  It is copyrighted, but by the "public", so that no individual
>can claim it, copyright it, and prevent others from using it.

But note that someone can make a minor change to public domain code,
claim the modified version as their own, and copyright _that_.  This
is why much free software is released under the GPL rather than into
the public domain.

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