Information Technology

Can a PC Technician use Freeware Software legally?

Can a PC Technician use Freeware Software legally? I would think this would be considered Commercial use. Maybe they get around this by Giving the software to there clients and then just using the software. Please provide a source if you can.

Public Comments

1. It depends on the rights of the software. AVG free is illegal to be run on different computers by the same persobn as part of a company but CCleaner works on a donation scheme were as if it works then you donate so it depends. It is not illegal however for the technitian to nudge or show the client the software and then they download it becasue thats different people using it. Hope that helps
2. well.....hmmm i dont got a source but i'll tell ya that as long as there is no selling of the freeware then you're all safe.....and it depends on the things it says you cant do when you install the freeware....the author or creator should have wrote something that says how he/she wants it to be used by people...hope that helps
3. The usual Public Use license lets you modify the code and sell your work AND you agree to keep the License info and the original owner's name with your work. You also agree to share whatever improvements you made. Read the license. Some license state you may NOT modify the code but you are free to use and distribute. But most let you modify. I have seen Ubuntu modified to look exactly like XP and such individual efforts are sold on eBay for around $10. Ubuntu.org does not care as long as their name isn't written out of the code.
4. It is normally stated in the release liscence of the software as to in what context the software is released as free. If it is being used for commercial use then I'm pretty sure that the technician would be required to buy the commercial version of the software. (Unless it is such software that the technician would be installing to stay on the system for the customers use)
5. freeware is freeware, did you not see the FREEware part of it all freeware is legall. Unless it conflicts with copyright or like downloading a song for free or downloading a game that usally costs money for free. But if its perfectly fine and stuff, Than freewar is fine.
6. In my opinion, I think it depends. If a PC technician uses the freeware for PROFIT, it is illegal. If he doesn't, then it's legal. Any freeware which is used for profit is illegal. *It also depends on the Software License Agreement.
7. Before using any software that was not previousely certified, I would read the license. If the software is considered freeware for personal AND commercial (business, etc.), meaning ALL use, it definitely can be used for any activities, including professional. I have a USB drive with multiple portable utilities, that I use for the customer PC repairs. Most of this software is freeware.