Open Source Legalities

In simplest terms, the biggest difference between Open Source software and commercial software relates to the source code of the program. In nearly every commercial software license, you receive only the object code of the program – the machine-readable executable version of the program. You do not get the source code – the “programmer’s version” –and you are likely to be restricted from even trying to produce or reverse- engineer the source code. In Open Source programs, you are entitled to the source code and can view it, fix it, modify it and improve it.

What does “GPL” stand for?

“GPL” stands for “General Public License”. The most widespread such license is the GNU General Public License, or GNU GPL for short. This can be further shortened to “GPL”, when it is understood that the GNU GPL is the one intended.

If I distribute GPL’d software for a fee, am I required to also make it available to the public without a charge?

GPL Software can be distributed for a fee but doing so the GPL gives the purchaser the freedom to release it to the public, with or without a fee.For example, someone could pay your fee, and then put her copy on a web site for the general public.

Does the GPL allow me to sell copies of the program for money?

Yes, the GPL allows everyone to do this. The right to sell copies is part of the definition of free software. Except in one special situation,there is no limit on what price you can charge. (The one exception is the required written offer to provide source code that must accompany binary-only release.)

What License is goverened for JOOMLA Release?

The Joomla software and default templates are copyright 2005-2008 Open Source Matters, Inc. If you want to use, copy, modify or distribute Joomla, you may do so under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Please refer further details on Software Licenses section of Joomla site…..

What License is governed for Drupal Release?

GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE Version 2, June 1991
Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.

Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307 USA