licensing : Java Glossary

• Single computer

  The program may be installed on at most one computer. Any number of people using that computer may use it. If a computer is replaced, you can move the software to the replacement computer. You can move it from computer to computer, so long as you uninstall it on the computer you are not using it on.

• Single person

  The program may be installed on several computers, but only one person is allowed to use the program. If the person leaves, you can designate a new person.

• Floating licence

  The program may be installed on several computers, but only one person at a time by use the program.

• Site licence

  Anyone in one building may use the program on their computer.

• Per seat licence

  You must buy a license for each computer (seat) that ever uses the program. These is usually also a base fee. This is common in database software.

You may or may not be permitted to sell your licence.

Enforcing licenses used to be difficult, but now that most computers are attached to the Internet, software can tattle back to central usage monitoring software to tip off the lawyers to gross violations. It is now common for software to be branded with the owner’s name in a tamper-proof way.

It is interesting the various sorts of rules people make up in licence agreements. It is a window on what motivates people to program. Most people want to ensure anyone who uses their software gives them money. Others want recognition. Others want the purity of the original preserved. Others want wide distribution. Others want to make a political statement.