This session is designed to inform the students of the definition and importance of copyrights and licenses, explaining that making or having copies of any program [and not paying to HAVE those copies] is illegal.
Software Copyrights
Having completed our introductions into computers and the Internet in general, here we begin to
focus heavily on the ethics surrounding computer use as a whole. The idea of a copyright should
be defined and explained, stressing the importance of giving due credit to the original
author/developer. Allusions can be made to general plagiarism.
Licensing
Here we demonstrate the purpose of a license as a way to ensure that due credit is given to the
original author/developer. A license to use the software must be purchased in much the same way
as a license to drive a car. If multiple copies of a program are to be used, a license must be
purchased for each computer that will have access to the program just as each driver must have a
license to operate one car.
Shareware and Freeware
Two of the very few exceptions to the licensing and copyrighting rules are Shareware and Freeware.
It should be explained that these types of programs are very special cases. Freeware is totally
free forever and can be distributed/given to anyone. Shareware can be distributed as well, but
shareware programs often ask the user after a certain period of time to "register" the software
by paying for it. Some shareware programs will stop working after that amount of time.
Most of the time, a shareware or freeware version of a product will be released as a "demo",
so that people can find out whether or not they would like the "full version" of the product. It
should be explained that it is very important to always try to register all shareware programs,
and to remember that only shareware and freeware programs can legally passed on without license.
Piracy
Software piracy could be described as making copies of a program without purchasing a license for
the copies, just like taking what isn't rightfully yours. [Obvious suggestion for graphic: a
pirate.] Any time a piece of software is to be placed on another computer, it is important to
find out whether or not a license is necessary to do so. Most of the time it will be, even if
it is a program used at work and the user wants to put it on their computer at home. If they do
so without license, they technically are pirating software. Many people purposefully pirate
programs, selling copies they've illegally made in order to make money. All forms of software
piracy are illegal, and punishable. Sometimes a fine will be enforced, but it can be a very
large fine they have to pay. Other times they can even send a person to jail.
Group Discussion: Bring a piece of any software which contains license information. An educational package would be ideal, but any software will do. Try to find one that isn't heavily worded, and go through the license with the students, asking them what they think the primary points are stating. Clarify anything about which students are incorrect or unsure.
Scenario Work: On a handout, present a scenario involving one or more instances of uncertainty about software licenses. For example, "John uses a program at work to draw images for his company's web page. In order to do work from home at night, he will need to put the program on his home computer as well. John borrows the program CD from work and places it on his home computer. He will be using it only for job-related work. Is this okay?" Hand the sheet out at the beginning of the session for them to fill out at home that night and bring the next day. Names and answers should not be revealed if you choose to discuss the answers; simply list some example answers and state what the "correct" answers should/may be.
Last updated 98/11/20
rainman@vt.edu