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Software can be expensive. You may think you cannot afford to purchase
certain programs that you need, but Dartmouth provides legal alternatives to
unauthorized copying of some software. Peter Kiewit Computing Services provides
certain software that can be legally distributed and is readily available on
the Web. Your choices include:
- Site-licensed or Bulk-purchased Software: Working with
vendors, Dartmouth has negotiated agreements that make some copyrighted
software available either to use or to purchase at favorable prices. For more
information about these products, contact Computer Sales and
Service in 171 Carson Hall (646-3249). Software available through bulk
purchases or institutional site licenses is subject to restrictions, and you
may not make or distribute copies of it without express authorization. In many
instances, if you leave Dartmouth (are no longer an active student, faculty, or
staff member), you are required to remove this software from your
computer.
- Network-licensed Software: The KeyServer, a system that
offers metered control of commercial Macintosh and Windows software over
the campus computer network, allows the Dartmouth community to gain access to
and copy licensed programs freely. To use these licensed products, your
computer must be connected to the Dartmouth network, and you must have the
KeyServer software installed properly on your computer. KeyAccess and
over 100 network-licensed products are available on the Software
Downloads Web page. For more information, contact the Computing Help Desk
at 646-2999 and select from the options provided, send electronic mail to help@dartmouth.edu, or call your department's
computing support office.
- Shareware: Shareware, or 'user-supported' software, is
copyrighted software for which the developer has granted you a usage license.
Permission is stated explicitly in the program’s documentation or is displayed
explicitly on the computer screen. The developer of shareware asks you to pay
for the software if you like it and plan to continue to use it. By registering
as requested, you may receive additional documentation and program
updates.
- Freeware: Freeware is copyrighted software that you may
copy and distribute to others, although not for profit. You may also modify the
software (check the license agreement before modifying), although your
redistribution of the modified software must also be as freeware.
- Public Domain Software: Sometimes authors dedicate their
software to the public domain, which means that the software is not subject to
any copyright restrictions. The developer will provide explicit notification
that the software has been placed in the public domain. The software then may
be copied and shared freely.
- Demonstration Software: To help you decide which
product(s) to purchase, demonstration copies of popular software for personal
computers are available at Computer Sales
and Service in 171 Carson Hall. For more information, visit Computer Sales
and Service.
Remember...
Restrictions on the use of software are far from uniform. It is your
responsibility to check each piece of software and the accompanying
documentation and license agreement carefully. In general, you do not have the
right to receive and use unauthorized copies of software or to make
unauthorized copies of software for others to use.
This policy – intended for adaptation and use by individual colleges and
universities – was developed by the EDUCOM Software Initiative and the
Information Technology Association of America (ITAA). The text is taken, with
minor changes, from a brochure published jointly by EDUCOM and ITAA (copyright
1992). It is reproduced with permission.
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