What type of software is typically purchased from computer stores yet only grants rights to use it?

Commercial software refers to proprietary software that is purchased from computer stores or online vendors and typically comes with a license that grants the user rights to use the software under specified conditions. This type of software is sold for profit, and the purchaser is generally not given ownership of the software itself but rather a license to use it.

Users of commercial software may have access to ongoing updates, customer support, and other services as part of their purchase agreement, which enhances the overall user experience. This type of software often includes features and capabilities that are not usually present in freeware or shareware, which either has limitations or is available for free.

In contrast, freeware is completely free to use and does not require payment, while shareware allows users to try the software for a limited time before requiring purchase. Open-source software is developed collaboratively and is usually free to modify and distribute, which differentiates it significantly from commercial software. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why commercial software is distinctly defined by its licensing and usage rights.