Public Domain Software Sites
- Public Domain Shareware
- Public Domain Software Downloads
- Public Domain Software List
- Public Domain Software Examples
- Best Free Public Domain Images
Public domain software Public domain software is software that is not copyrighted. If the source code is in the public domain, that is a special case of noncopylefted free software, which means that some copies or modified versions may not be free at all. US government agencies may claim copyright abroad. While US government works generally are in the public domain in the US, they may be protected by copyright abroad. The feds may claim copyright protection for US government works in other countries depending on how those countries treat their own government works.
Shareware, freeware, and public domain are software categories definedby how programs may be distributed, copied, used, and modified.
Shareware
Shareware software is distributed at low (or sometimes no) cost, butusually requires payment and registration for full legal use. Copiesare distributed on a trial basis. You are free to test the software,see if it matches your needs, and decide whether it's a goodvalue. Order forms or advertisements included in the program or on thedistribution disk usually tell you how to register the program andwhat fee is required. Registered users of a shareware program willtypically receive a printed manual, an updated copy of the software,often with additional features, and the legal right to use the programin their home or business.
Shareware is not free software, since authors of shareware programsexpect payment from those who intend to use the programs regularly.However, it does have the advantage over standard commercial softwarethat you may thoroughly test a program to see if it's useful beforemaking a purchase.
Shareware is generally written by individuals or small companies,and its quality and level of support vary widely. In some cases,however, shareware packages are actually more capable thancorresponding commercial software, and some commercial programs gottheir start being marketed as shareware.
While shareware may be freely copied, companies may not charge feesfor copies that significantly exceed their duplication and handlingcosts. The authors of shareware programs also retain their copyrighton the contents, and you may not modify such programs or distributemodified copies.
Freeware
Freeware is also distributed at minimal cost, but in this case theauthors do not expect payment for their work. Typically, freewareprograms are small utilities or incomplete programs that authorsrelease for their potential benefit to others, but without support.The author of a freeware program may still retain a copyright on itscontents and stipulate that others not modify the program or chargesignificant fees for its use or distribution.
Public domain software
Public domain software is not copyrighted. It is released without anyconditions upon its use, and may be used without restriction. Thistype of software generally has the lowest level of supportavailable.
Related software
Open-source software is jointly developed software that can be used,shared, borrowed, or changed without restriction. For more, see About open source software and the Open Source Initiative
Other programs may fall in between or overlap these categories. Someauthors may ask for charitable donations in return for the useof their software. Still others may distribute free software as aform of advertising, sometimes called 'bannerware'.
If you purchase large volumes of low cost software for your personalcomputer, carefully study the accompanying license agreements andterms of use. Such software generally falls into these categories, andprograms whose authors expect payment for their use should not bemistaken for free software.
Public Domain Means No Use Restrictions and No Copyright Ownership
Public Domain Software (PDS) refers to software that is not copyrighted and that anyone can use for free without restrictions. Under PDS guidelines and laws governing software development licensing the author(s) create their software with the intention of making it available in the public domain so that others can use their software in whole, in part, or in combination with other software applications without worrying about copyright restrictions.
It is important to still bear in mind that public domain software does not necessarily allow a user to access, use, or alter source codes, but in some cases, it may, but it is made available for use whether or not it can be altered.
What is Not Included in PDS?
PDS does not include product promotions of free software, 'freeware,' or 'shareware' all of which have use restrictions and copyrights.
Where to Find Public Domain Software
SourceForge offers an extensive directory of software available under a number of licenses including Public Domain, Creative Commons Attribution, OSI-Approved Open Source, and others. Two other great resources to discovering new public domain and open-source software are Gnu.org and CNet.
You can also find use-specific, compatible freebies within certain dashboards of other applications. For example, if you use WordPress, log in and look for new plugins. Many of these have been created for free use without any restrictions. The same is true with Firefox where you can download from the tens of thousands of available apps and support features including developer tools.
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Open Source Applications Do Not Fall Under Public Domain
Public Domain Shareware
The key distinction between Open Source (OS) and public domain software is not whether or not source code is accessible, but if there are any licensing requirements or other restrictions on use, altering the source code, redistribution, or copyrights. If there are, it is Open Source software and not public domain software.
Open Source Software Resources
Public Domain Software Downloads
The U.S. Department of Defense offers a comprehensive FAQ about Open Source Software (OSS) and use while working with the federal government. If you are thinking of using OSS or public domain software for official use, please read, FAQs Regarding Open Source Software and the Department of Defense.
Open Source Initiative, a 501(c)(3) California-based nonprofit, offers a very detailed (and legal) definition of open source software and how and who can use it. They also have a great alphabetical listing of companies that offer open source software if you wish to investigate a particular company. The Free Software Foundation offers a comprehensive list of free software.
A Few Examples of Open Source Software Applications
- WordPress - A free, content management and blogging software platform.
- Firefox - A web browser
- LINUX - an open-source operating system based on UNIX
- Apache - a web server software that is now the most commonly used throughout the world.
- Thunderbird - Developed by Mozilla Foundation (they also are responsible for the web browser, Firefox, Thunderbird offers a platform for email, chat, and email.
- OpenOffice
- KOffice - integrated office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet, database functions and more, and
- SquirrelMail - An email handler anyone can use and is often offered (free) by email host company such as Dreamhost.
Public Domain Software List
How Can I Tell if Something is Under Public Domain?
If there are absolutely no restrictions or copyrights on software applications, it is considered public domain software.
Exciting Statistics for Female Computer Programmers - The Tables are Turning
Public Domain Software Examples
In 1944 there were only six female computer programmers, of course, there were not many male programmers either. However, women have frequently been discouraged from entering into STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) so as computer technology became more widely used, the ratio of male to female computer programmers and software developers remained troubling.
Best Free Public Domain Images
However, thanks to White House-driven initiatives, and According to the National Center for Women Information Technology, women now account for 34% of web developers; 23% of programmers; 37% of database administrators; 20% of software developers; and 15% of information security analysts.
(Source: Department of Labor Current Population Survey, 2012)