License Types

License Types
The appropriate use of software is defined by the terms of a contract called a license. CSU software licenses fall into the four main license categories described below. Generally, a license entitles users to use the software but not own it. The terms of use are specified in an End User License Agreement (EULA). Users are responsible for understanding and abiding by the terms of the EULA.

The four types of licenses for supported software include:

Freeware - Software is offered as freeware by the author and does not require payment for its use. Freeware software may include commercial advertisement to defray the cost to maintain the software. Some freeware applications provide a non-advertisement version of their software for a fee.

Shareware - Users must pay a small fee to use the software beyond the trial period. After this evaluation period users are obligated either to pay the shareware fee or cease using the software.

Site Licensed - The campus or Chancellor's Office purchases contracts to permit designated segments of the campus community to use certain commercial and shareware software without charge to the individual or department. CSU site licensed software is provided to all members of the CSU campus community. However, a site license does not imply that the software is free for all members of the campus community to use. Some Site License contracts apply to all members of the campus community, while others limit their audience to specific members of the campus community. Check License Details for eligibility and restrictions. Site license agreements do not include the installation media or documentation.

Commercial - The Chancellor's Office and Sacramento State have negotiated contracts that provide reduced pricing for many commercial products by software manufacturers like Adobe, Macromedia and Symantec. These contracts vary widely in regards to purchasing and usage. Some contracts specify that software must be purchased with University funds for University use while others make no such distinction. For contract information on specific products, see License Details.

Contracts vary concerning whether products must be purchased by the University or can be purchased by the employee. They also differ concerning University use versus private use. Depending on the terms of the agreement, software must be purchased by the department or may be purchased directly by the employee.  See License Details for further contract information on specific products.