Date: Thu, 10 Apr 1997 18:30:26 -0400
Message-Id: <199704102230.SAA17272@delorie.com>
From: DJ Delorie <dj AT delorie DOT com>
To: gautam AT interlog DOT com
CC: djgpp AT delorie DOT com
In-reply-to: <5ija12$45l@news.interlog.com> (gautam@interlog.com)
Subject: Re: ANNOUNCE: PLUSH 3D V1.1


> 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.

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.