What does commercial software typically not include in its purchase?

In the context of commercial software, one of the defining characteristics is that the software is sold under a licensing agreement that often restricts access to the underlying source code. Typically, when a user purchases commercial software, they receive a binary version that is compiled for use, but they do not obtain the rights to modify or redistribute the source code. This is because the source code is considered proprietary information, owned by the software developer or company, ensuring they maintain control and protect their intellectual property.

User manuals, hardware rights, and support services are often included or offered as add-ons in commercial software purchases, as they are critical for helping users operate and troubleshoot the software effectively. This is why modifying the source code stands out as an exception in terms of what is typically included in the purchase of commercial software.