6. EXCHANGING INFORMATION ONLINE

 6. EXCHANGING INFORMATION ONLINE

The exhange of files and software has become one of the most common online activities. It can bedone quickly, easily and automatically by using Peer to Peer (P2P) programs, such as Ares and BitTorrent.
There are legal restrictions that apply to many types of digital content. Some types of software are open source, which means the source code is available to the public and can be modified by users. Other types of software are closed source, which means the source code can only be modified by the progammer.
We can also differentiate between the following types of software:

• Free software: Anyone can use, modify, copy and distribute this software. It is also open source.

• Propietary software: Users need special permission or a licence to use, modify,copy or distribute this software.

• Commercial software: The owner distributes and sells this software for a price.

• Freeware: This software does not cost anything. It can be copied and distributed, but it cannot be modified.

• Public domain software: The author makes this software available to everyone at no cost. 

 Shareware 
Shareware is not a type of program, it is a form of free distribution which lets people try a program at no cost.