Types of Software: Free, Open Source, or Paid? How to choose without risk

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When we download a program, we often only look at one thing:is it free or not?
But the truth is that the price is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind every software there is alicense that establishes exactly what we can do — and what we can't. Ignoring it can mean copyright infringement, with possible penalties or compensation claims.

In this article, we clarify all the main types of software, explaining which are free, which are open source, and what legal risks they entail.

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1. Why the license is more important than the price

Software isn't just a file you install: it's intellectual property governed by a contract (the license).
Even if a program is "free," that doesn't mean you can:

  • copy it for anyone;

  • modify it as you wish;

  • use it commercially.

The rules depend on the license type. And if you break them, you may incur copyright infringement.


2. The main types of software

Proprietary (Commercial) Software

  • What is it: codeClosed source, use permitted only according to the terms established by the manufacturer.

  • Examples: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop.

  • Price: Paid (one-time or subscription).

  • Risks: Pirating or using it without a license is a serious copyright infringement.


Freeware

  • What it is: Free to use, but the source code is not available.

  • Examples: Skype, Google Chrome.

  • Price: Free.

  • Risks: Usually safe for personal use, but some licenses prohibit commercial use.


Shareware / Trial

  • What it is: Free use limited in time or features.

  • Examples: Antivirus with 30-day trial, WinRAR (theoretically trial).

  • Price: Free initially, then mandatory payment.

  • Risks: Continuing to use it without paying = illegal use.


Open Source

  • What it is: Open and modifiable source code; The license governs how it can be used and redistributed.

  • Examples: Linux, LibreOffice, GIMP.

  • Price: Generally free (support or service fees may apply).

  • Risks: Low, but you must respect the license (e.g. cite the author, maintain the original license).


3. The most widespread Open Source licenses

License Main features Obligations Freedom of use Tranquility legal
GPL Open source, modifiable, mandatory distribution under the same license Distribute modifications as GPL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MIT Very permissive, even for commercial use Maintain copyright notice and License ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Apache 2.0 Permissive, patent-protected Include notices and license ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BSD Very permissive, few restrictions Citing authors original ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Open Source Licensing Details

GPL (GNU General Public License)

  • Freedom of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    You can freely modify, use, and distribute the software, even for commercial projects.

  • Legal Peace of Mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    You must redistribute any modifications under the same GPL license. Redistributing without this requirement risks legal trouble. For personal use without redistribution, it's safe.

MIT

  • Freedom of use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    It allows practically everything: modification, use, and distribution, even for commercial projects.

  • Legal Peace of Mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Just keep the copyright notice. There are no restrictions on the distribution of changes.

Apache 2.0

  • Freedom of use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Free to use, modify, and distribute. Includes patent clauses to protect you.

  • Legal Peace of Mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Includes additional protection against patent issues. You just need to maintain notices and license.

BSD

  • Freedom of use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Very permissive, few restrictions.

  • Legal Peace of Mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    You only need to credit the original authors. There are no restrictions on redistributing the changes.


4. How to choose without risk

  • If you want zero legal risks, use open source software from reliable sources or official freeware.

  • In your company, always check the terms: some freeware prohibits commercial use.

  • Avoid pirated software: In addition to fines and lawsuits, it can contain malware.


Conclusion

The real difference is not just between "free" and "paid," but between restrictive licenses and open licenses.
Reading and understanding a license protects you from unpleasant surprises and helps you choose tools in line with your needs, your budget and the law.



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