Software distribution

Short description: Process of delivering software to the end user

Software distribution is the process of delivering software to the end user.[1]

A distro is a collection of software components built, assembled and configured so that it can essentially be used "as is". It is often the closest thing to turnkey form of free software. A distro may take the form of a binary distribution, with an executable installer which can be downloaded from the Internet. Examples range from whole operating system distributions to server and interpreter distributions (for example WAMP installers). Software distribution can also refer to careware and donateware.

In recent years, the term has come to refer to nearly any "finished" software (i.e. something that is more or less ready for its intended use, whether as a complete system or a component of a larger system) that is assembled primarily from open source components.

## Contents

* 1 Examples of distros
* 2 Distro support
* 3 Free software distribution tools
* 4 Commercial software distribution tools
* 5 Distribution tools for mobile devices
* 6 References

## Examples of distros

Examples of software distributions include BSD-based distros (such as FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and DragonflyBSD) and Linux-based distros (such as openSUSE, Debian, and Fedora).

## Distro support

Technical support is a key issue for end-users of distributions, since the distribution itself is typically free and may not be "owned" in a commercial sense by a vendor. Depending on the distribution, support may be provided by a commercial support vendor, the developers who created the distribution or by the user community itself.

## Free software distribution tools

GNU Autotools are widely used for which consist of source files written in C++ and the C programming language, but are not limited to these.

## Commercial software distribution tools

* LANDesk Management Suite provides software distribution for Windows, OS X, and Linux.
* Dell KACE provides remote administration, software distribution, and software installation to any Windows, Mac, or Linux desktop or server.

## Distribution tools for mobile devices

Distribution of software to small mobile devices such as phones, PDAs and other hand-held terminals is a particular challenge due to their inconsistent connection to the Internet. Some tools that cater to this category of devices are:

* Sybase iAnywhere Afaria

## References

1. ↑ (in en) Beyond computing and connectivity: Where is communications technology taking US? ; Proceedings of the 4th Annual Connectivity and Technology Symposium ; January 1993, Center for Connectivity & Data Bases, West Chester University. DIANE Publishing. 1993. ISBN 978-1-56806-279-2. https://books.google.com/books?id=vEHe8PdtMKwC&dq="Software+distribution+is"&pg=PA281.

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Software distribution

Licenses|

* Beerware
* Floating licensing
* Free and open-source
* Free
* Open source
* Freely redistributable
* Proprietary
* Public domain
* Source-available

Compensation models|

* Adware
* Commercial software
* Retail software
* Crippleware
* Crowdfunding
* Freemium
* Freeware
* Pay what you want
* Careware
* Donationware
* Open-core model
* Postcardware
* Shareware
* Nagware

Delivery methods|

* Digital distribution
* File sharing
* On-premises
* Pre-installed
* Product bundling
* Retail software
* Sneakernet
* Software as a service

Deceptive and/or illicit|

* Unwanted software bundling
* Malware
* Spyware
* Trojan horse
* Worm
* Ransomware
* Scareware
* Shovelware
* Vaporware

Software release life cycle|

* Abandonware
* End-of-life
* Long-term support
* Software maintenance
* Software maintainer
* Software publisher

Copy protection|

* Digital rights management
* Software protection dongle
* Hardware restrictions
* License manager
* Product activation
* Product key
* Software copyright
* Software patent
* Torrent poisoning

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Software distribution platforms and content delivery networks

* App store
* Cloud gaming
* Digital library
* Online game store
* Package manager
* Software distribution
* Streaming media

Active|

| Personal
computer|

* Allmyapps
* Amazon Digital Game Store
* Battle.net
* Big Fish Games
* Chrome Web Store
* Digital River
* Direct2Drive
* Discord
* DMM.com
* DotEmu
* Epic Games Store
* GOG.com
* GameHouse
* GameShadow
* GamersGate
* Game Jolt
* GNOME Software
* Green Man Gaming
* Humble Store
* Mac Games Arcade
* itch.io
* Mac App Store
* MacUpdate
* Metaboli/GamesPlanet
* Microsoft Store
* MSN Games
* Origin
* Playism
* Pogo.com
* Pokki
* Steam
* Uplay
* WildTangent

|

Video game
consoles|

* GameFly
* Microsoft Store
* Nintendo eShop
* PlayStation Now
* PlayStation Store
* Xbox Store
* Xbox Live Arcade

Mobile|

* Amazon Appstore
* Apple App Store
* Aptoide
* BlackBerry World
* Cafe Bazaar
* Cydia
* F-Droid
* GamersGate
* GetJar
* Google Play
* Handango
* Microsoft Store
* Samsung Galaxy Store
* SlideME
* Opera Mobile Store

Arcade|

* ALL.Net
* NESiCAxLive
* E-Amusement

Discontinued|

* Club Nokia
* Desura
* GameAgent
* GameTap
* Games for Windows – Live
* Games for Windows Marketplace
* Impulse
* Intel AppUp
* Jumboplay
* Kazaa
* N-Gage
* Nokia Download!
* Nokia (Ovi) Store
* OnLive
* PlayNow Arena
* Stardock Central
* Triton
* Ubuntu Software Center
* Ubuntu App Store
* Vodafone live!
* Wii Shop Channel
* Windows Marketplace
* Windows Marketplace for Mobile
* Windows Phone Store
* Yahoo! Games
* Zune Marketplace

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