Point taken. I guess I would include modification under the general word "use" for purposes of this discussion.
But maybe say "... how the software is used or distributed."
Peter Eisentraut wrote:
> Ned Lilly wrote:
>
>>The original language I suggested was:
>>
>>PostgreSQL is released under a "BSD-style" license, which allows
>>maximum flexibility for corporate and individual users, with no
>>license fees regardless of how the software is used.
>
>
> My response still holds:
>
>
>>>>This is an incorrect interpretation of the licensing situation.
>>>>There are plenty of licenses that are granted free of charge but
>>>>still leave the recipient without any flexibility. The advantage
>>>>of the BSD license is the lack of restrictions on modication and
>>>>distribution.
>
>
>>I think that offers a good contrast to both MySQL and the commercial
>>competitors.
>
>
> You can *use* MySQL however you want, if you have obtained a legal copy.
> You just can't modify or distribute it however you want. That is an
> important distinction. Copyright law does not regulate use at all; it
> regulates copying. Once you have obtained a legal copy, you can use
> the software in any way you choose, even if some licenses try to give a
> different impression.
>
