public domain software

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
public domain
PD
public domain software

   (PD) The total absence of {copyright} protection.  If
   something is "in the public domain" then anyone can copy it or
   use it in any way they wish.  The author has none of the
   exclusive rights which apply to a copyright work.

   The phrase "public domain" is often used incorrectly to refer
   to {freeware} or {shareware} (software which is copyrighted
   but is distributed without (advance) payment).  Public domain
   means no copyright -- no exclusive rights.  In fact the phrase
   "public domain" has no legal status at all in the UK.

   See also {archive site}, {careware}, {charityware},
   {copyleft}, {crippleware}, {guiltware}, {postcardware} and
   {-ware}.  Compare {payware}.
    

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