Question 63

Freeware is protected by copyright laws but is available at no cost.

Freeware refers to software that is distributed at no cost while still being protected under copyright law. This means that while users can use the software for free, the original creator retains ownership and rights over the software.

A) Freeware

Freeware is specifically designed to be distributed freely to users, allowing them to download and use it without any payment. Despite being free, freeware is still subject to copyright protections, which prevents users from redistributing or modifying the software without permission from the copyright holder.

B) Closed-source

Closed-source software is not available for free and is typically sold to consumers. This type of software is protected by copyright laws, but it does not fall into the category of being available at no cost, which is a key aspect of the question.

C) Shareware

Shareware is a type of software that is distributed for free on a trial basis, but it usually requires payment for continued use or access to advanced features. While shareware does have copyright protection, it does not meet the criteria of being completely free, as users are expected to pay for full functionality.

D) Public domain

Public domain software is not protected by copyright laws, meaning it can be used and modified without restriction. However, it is not classified as freeware since it lacks copyright protection entirely, which is a crucial distinction in the context of the question.

Conclusion

Freeware is the only option that meets the criteria of being protected by copyright laws while being available at no cost. All other options either require payment, lack copyright protection, or do not fit the definition of being free in the same way as freeware does. Therefore, freeware is definitively the correct answer.