Software licenses
A software license is a legal document that defines the conditions for using software by a user.
Contents
What are software licenses in simple words
A software license is a contract between the software developer and the user that defines how the program can be used: how many copies to install, whether the code can be modified, and whether it can be transferred to other people.
Imagine a license as the rules of renting an apartment: you get the right to live in the apartment (use the program), but you cannot knock down the walls (modify the code) or let anyone in there (transfer it to others) — unless this is allowed by the contract.
Types of licenses
Proprietary licenses
- Subscription: The user pays regularly (monthly/yearly). Examples: Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Perpetual: Pays once, the program is forever. Updates are paid additionally. Example: old versions of Windows.
- OEM: Preinstalled on the device, not subject to transfer to another computer.
Open-source licenses
- MIT: Minimal restrictions. Can be used, modified and distributed.
- GPL: The obligation to distribute changes under the same license (copyleft).
- Apache 2.0: Free use with attribution.
- LGPL: Soft copyleft — for libraries.
Licensing in the Russian Federation
In Russia, software licensing is regulated by the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and an order of the Ministry of Culture. For government organizations there are requirements for import substitution — the use of domestic software or licenses of Russian distributors. The registry of domestic software is maintained by the Ministry of Digital Development.
Import substitution
The import substitution policy involves replacing Western software with Russian analogs. For this purpose, registries of domestic software, government standards and support programs are created. Examples of replacement: Microsoft Office → MyOffice, Windows → Aurora, VMware → domestic hypervisors.
Frequently asked questions
What is a license for a program?
A license is the rules by which you can use a program. It defines: how many installs, whether you can change the code and whether you can transfer it to others. Without a license, using software is illegal.
How does MIT differ from GPL?
MIT is the most permissive license: it can be used, modified and sold without restrictions. GPL requires that all changes be distributed under the same license (copyleft). MIT is easier for commercial use.
Is a license needed for open-source?
Yes, open-source also requires a license. An open-source license (MIT, GPL, Apache) defines the conditions of use and distribution of the code. Without a license, the code is automatically protected by copyright.
Other terms in «Government Regulation»
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