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License Agreements
Reading software license agreements before installing software is an important part of computer security.
Why read license agreements? They're long and boring!
- It's a legal contract. When you click Yes or I Accept to a license agreement, you enter into a legal contract with the publisher of the software which sets expectations of usage and restricts your rights. You wouldn't sign a legal document on paper without reading it first, right? The same attention to detail is warranted here.
- You might see something you don't like. Software applications can include spyware. For example, the license agreement might notify you that the software will collect and submit your personal information to marketing firms. If you then agree to this license agreement, you will likely have no legal recourse if you later feel that your privacy has been compromised.
Recommendation
Before installing new software...
- Read the license agreement.
- Search the spyware database on the name of the software or the company that makes it.
- Windows users only: Install and use the EULAlyzer, which analyzes end-user license agreements (EULAs) for possible concerns.
More Information
Know Your Rights and Restrictions. Read the EULA.
Help? Feedback?
Try asking your question in the Craigslist computer forum. To provide feedback for this page, send the URL and your comments to Web & Data Services Manager Frank Farm at farmf@pharmacy.ucsf.edu.
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