Harold, a Java programmer, downloads an open-source timesheet application under the General Public License (GPL). He modifies the app's source code to add some new features that he finds especially handy. He would like to make his enhanced version of the app available to other users. Harold _____.

Harold, a Java programmer, downloads an open-source timesheet application under the General Public License (GPL). He modifies the app's source code to add some new features that he finds especially handy. He would like to make his enhanced version of the app available to other users. Harold _____.

• A. must distribute the modified timesheet app as proprietary software
• B. must distribute the modified timesheet app as either public domain software or freeware
• C. must distribute the modified timesheet app but only to paying customers
• D. must keep the modified code private

Answer: (B)

When you modify GPL-licensed software and distribute your version, you must keep the program free for others by sharing the source code and licensing the derivative work under the same GPL terms. In other words, the enhanced app must be made available to others with the freedom to run, study, modify, and further distribute it. You can charge for distribution, but you cannot impose restrictions that take away those rights, nor can you keep the code private. The choice that best captures this requirement is the idea that the modified version must be distributed in a way that preserves freedom for users—similar to public-domain or freeware-style distribution. The other options would imply proprietary closure or limiting who can receive the software, which GPL-distributed modifications do not allow.

When you modify GPL-licensed software and distribute your version, you must keep the program free for others by sharing the source code and licensing the derivative work under the same GPL terms. In other words, the enhanced app must be made available to others with the freedom to run, study, modify, and further distribute it. You can charge for distribution, but you cannot impose restrictions that take away those rights, nor can you keep the code private. The choice that best captures this requirement is the idea that the modified version must be distributed in a way that preserves freedom for users—similar to public-domain or freeware-style distribution. The other options would imply proprietary closure or limiting who can receive the software, which GPL-distributed modifications do not allow.