Which statement best distinguishes freeware from open source?

• A. Freeware is not modifiable.
• B. Open source is always paid.
• C. Freeware guarantees redistribution rights.
• D. Open source allows inspection and modification.

Answer: (D)

Open source software is defined by access to the source code and the permission to inspect, modify, and distribute changes. This means you can see exactly how the program works, tailor it to your needs, and share your improvements with others. Freeware, on the other hand, is simply software you can use at no cost; it doesn’t guarantee that you can view the code or modify it, and it doesn’t automatically grant rights to redistribute changes. The other statements aren’t reliable distinctions: freeware isn’t inherently unmodifiable (license terms vary), open source isn’t necessarily paid, and freeware does not guarantee redistribution rights.