Software licence types – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and C correctly describe different software licence models, whereas statement D is misleading. Proprietary software generally hides source code and is used under licence restrictions. Open-source licences explicitly allow code access and modification, and freeware is cost-free to use but not necessarily open source. Shareware is typically a trial or limited-use model that may require payment after a period, so it cannot be treated as permanently free and unrestricted. Hence, the combination A, B and C only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes all three accurate statements about proprietary, open-source and freeware models while excluding the inaccurate description of shareware. It recognises that cost-free use and code openness are distinct dimensions covered by different licence types. By omitting D, this option avoids confusing trial software with permanently free software.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it lists only A and B as correct and omits C. Although A and B are true, C is also correct in clarifying that freeware refers to price, not necessarily openness of source code. Leaving out C makes the description of software licences incomplete.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups B, C and D and treats D as correct. While B and C are true, D wrongly claims that shareware never requires payment and is always unrestricted. Including a false statement and excluding A means this combination cannot be accepted.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it combines A and C with D and therefore accepts the mistaken idea that shareware is always free and fully unrestricted. Although A and C are true, the presence of D makes the overall combination wrong.