Open Source Licenses

[optimizer]

I haven’t yet seen a document that describes open source licenses in a "for dummies" way.

I suppose all I need to know is:

1/ Can a home user use the product.

2/ If they develop something commercial "using the software as a tool" for development (but not incorporating the development tool in your final product), is that fine, or is your code then part of the open source license.

Or is all this "stuff to do with code becoming part of a license" when you are incorporating a "modified version of the tool" into a commercial product (or home user for that matter).

Has anyone come across a web page / book that describes all this stuff in an easy to understand way. I’ve had a quick look at GNU pages of stuff, but it just gives an instant headache. I’ve looked at the wiki with all the license types too – same headache.

I suppose you could have a new Message board section for Open Source tools and Licenses.

Thanks

[Ahcoraj]

great point, as i understand it, the answers to your questions are
1 yes. yes..yes!!
2 as long as the source code from any work derived from gpl software is made readily available, you're OK.


have you seen this http://www.zzine.org/read.php?op=view&item=797

[slgrieb]

I think Ahcoraj has summed it up very well. Open source licenses generally permit you to use the product in any way you wish, and to modify the source code (if you are a programmer) just so long as you make your changes publically available.