Software distribution

Abstract: PsyToolkit is a set of software tools for programming psychological experiments on Linux computers. Given that PsyToolkit is freely available under the Gnu Public License, open source, and designed such that it can easily be modified and extended for individual needs, it is suitable not only for technically oriented Linux users, but also for students, researchers on small budgets, and universities in developing countries. The software includes a high-level scripting language, a library for the programming language C, and a questionnaire presenter. The software easily integrates with other open source tools, such as the statistical software package R. PsyToolkit is designed to work with external hardware (including IoLab and Cedrus response keyboards and two common digital input/output boards) and to support millisecond timing precision. Four in-depth examples explain the basic functionality of PsyToolkit. Example 1 demonstrates a stimulus—response compatibility experiment. Example 2 demonstrates a novel mouse-controlled visual search experiment. Example 3 shows how to control light emitting diodes using PsyToolkit, and Example 4 shows how to build a light-detection sensor. The last two examples explain the electronic hardware setup such that they can even be used with other software packages.

Abstract: This chapter discusses the open source definition Open source doesn't just mean access to the source code The distribution terms of open-source software must comply with the following criteria: free redistribution, source code, derived works, integrity of the author's source code, no discrimination against a person or a group, no discrimination against fields of endeavor, distribution of license, license must Nnt be specific to a product, license must not restrict other software, and the license must be technology-neutral According to free distribution, the license does not restrict any party from selling, or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in source code in a compiled form The license must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow them to be distributed under the same terms, as the license of the original software The license may restrict the source-code from being distributed in modified form The rights attached to the program must apply to all those, to whom the program is redistributed without the need for execution of an additional license by those parties

Abstract: Software (programs, videogames, music, movies, etc.) can be authorized for use a given number of times by a base unit after which the base unit (computer, videogame base unit, record player, videorecorder or videodisk player) cannot use that software until the manufacturer sends an authorization for additional uses to the user's base unit. Authorizations may be sent via telephone line, mail, or whatever form of communication is most suited to the application. Authorizations cannot be reused, for example by recording the telephone authorization signal and replaying it to the base unit. Similarly, authorizations can be made base unit specific, so that an authorization for one base unit cannot be transferred to another base unit. This invention also solves the "software piracy problem" and allows telephone sales of software as additional benefits.

Abstract: A system and method update client computers of various end users with software updates for software products installed on the client computers, the software products manufacturered by diverse, unrelated software vendors. The system includes a service provider computer system, a number of client computers and software vendor computer systems communicating on a common network. The service provider computer system stores in an update database information about the software updates of the diverse software vendors, identifying the software products for which software updates are available, their location on the network at the various software vendor computer systems, information for identifying in the client computers the software products stored thereon, and information for determining for such products, which have software updates available. Users of the client computers connect to the service provider computer and obtain a current version of portions of the database. The client computer determines that software products stored thereon, and using this information, determines from the database, which products have updates available, based on product name and release information for the installed products. The user selects updates for installation. The selected updates are downloaded from the software vendor computer systems and installed on the client computer. Payment for the software update and the service is mediated by the service provider computer. Authentication of the user ensures only registered users obtain software updates. Authentication of the software updates ensures that the software updates are virus free and uncorrupted. Changes to the client computer during installation are monitored and archived, allowing the updates to be subsequently removed by the user.