Obtaining software is the same as buying tangible goods, meaning software can be used, altered, loaned to friends, resold, or given away.

Obtaining software is the same as buying tangible goods, meaning software can be used, altered, loaned to friends, resold, or given away.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only for freeware

Answer: (A)

Software is licensed, not bought as a physical item. When you obtain software, you’re typically getting a license that lets you use it under terms set by the publisher. Those terms usually restrict copying, modifying, lending, or reselling the software. So you can’t treat software like tangible goods you can freely use, alter, loan to friends, or pass along. There are exceptions, such as open-source or certain freeware licenses, which may permit redistribution or modification, but for most consumer software the rights are limited by the license. That’s why the statement is false.

Software is licensed, not bought as a physical item. When you obtain software, you’re typically getting a license that lets you use it under terms set by the publisher. Those terms usually restrict copying, modifying, lending, or reselling the software. So you can’t treat software like tangible goods you can freely use, alter, loan to friends, or pass along. There are exceptions, such as open-source or certain freeware licenses, which may permit redistribution or modification, but for most consumer software the rights are limited by the license. That’s why the statement is false.