Discuss WGU WGU Introduction To IT (E004) Exam Topic 4 Question 12

What is a common characteristic of a proprietary software license?

AA business gains the right to distribute the software freely.

BA business gains the right to use the software.

CA business gains the right to own the software.

DA business gains the right to modify the software's source code.

Suggested Answer: B

1. Proprietary Software Definition:

o Proprietary software, also known as commercial software, is software that is exclusively owned and controlled by a single entity (usually a software company or vendor).

o Users must obtain a license to use proprietary software, and the terms and conditions of this license are outlined in an end-user license agreement (EULA).

2. Ownership and Access to Source Code:

o Proprietary software is considered ''closed-source'' because the source code is not available to the public.

o Only the original developers or copyright holders have access to the complete source code.

o Users do not have the right to modify or distribute the software's source code.

3. Rights Granted by a Proprietary Software License:

o When a business acquires a proprietary software license, it gains the following rights:

Right to Use: The business can use the software for its intended purpose.

Limited Access: Users can interact with the software's user interface but cannot access or modify the underlying code.

Restrictions: The license may impose restrictions on copying, distribution, and reverse engineering.

Enforcement: Violating the license terms can result in legal action by the software vendor.

4. Comparison to Open Source Software:

o Proprietary software differs from open source software, where the source code is freely accessible, modifiable, and distributable.

o Examples of proprietary software include Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop, and commercial applications.

Reference

1. Montague Law: Proprietary Software License Explained for 2023

2. UpCounsel: Proprietary Software License: Everything You Need to Know

3. Wikipedia: Software License

4. TheCyberGarden: Software Licensing - The Proprietary Model and the Open Source Model

5. Toppr: What is Proprietary Software - Definition, Advantages, Disadvantages

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17 comments · newest first

Ronnie 23 days ago

I feel B is the most common characteristic.

Isreal 28 days ago

C makes sense too. Ownership is a big deal.

Kyoko 1 month ago

B is the safest bet. Use rights are clear.

Nenita 1 month ago

D is out. Proprietary means no modifying.

Francoise 1 month ago

A is misleading. They can't distribute it freely.

Rima 2 months ago

Definitely B. You can't just own it outright.

Stefanie 2 months ago

I agree, but C sounds right too. Owning it is key.

Toshia 2 months ago

I think it's B. A business can use the software.

Alysa 2 months ago

Wait, you can't modify the source code? That seems unfair!

Anjelica 2 months ago

Agree with B, but it feels weird not owning it.

Donette 2 months ago

I thought it was C? Seems like you should own what you pay for!

Jolene 3 months ago

Definitely B! You only get to use it, not own it.

Terry 3 months ago

A proprietary license means you don't own the software.

Joanna 3 months ago

This question reminds me of a practice one we did on software licenses. I think A is definitely not correct since businesses can't distribute proprietary software freely.

Adell 3 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like proprietary licenses mean you don't own the software, just the right to use it.

Pamella 3 months ago

I remember something about not being able to modify the source code with proprietary licenses, so D seems wrong.

Alison 4 months ago

I think proprietary software licenses usually limit how you can use the software, so I'm leaning towards option B.

WGU Introduction to IT (E004) Exam - Topic 4 Question 12 Discussion