Software that can be freely used, modified, and shared is referred to as what?

The term for software that can be freely used, modified, and shared is known as open-source software. This type of software is typically developed in a collaborative manner, allowing anyone to inspect, enhance, and contribute to the code. The open-source model promotes transparency and encourages a community of users and developers to work together to improve the software.

Open-source software often has a specific license that grants users the rights to modify the source code and to distribute their modifications. This stands in contrast to proprietary software, which restricts access to the source code and limits how the software can be used and shared. Commercial software generally refers to products that are sold for profit and might have restrictions on usage and modification as well. Shareware is a distribution model that allows users to try a software product for free, often limited in functionality, before deciding whether to purchase it, but it does not necessarily allow for modification or free distribution of the source code.

Overall, the key aspect of open-source software is the freedom it offers to users to engage with the software in a variety of ways that proprietary or commercial software does not.