What are the E-content Tools and how they classified ?

E-content can be created in a variety of ways by using variety of tools and software.

E-content development combines 

Content Management System (CMS) and 

Learning Management System (LMS). 

Several proprietary software, freeware, open source software, public domain software and so on are available for e-content development. 

Among available tools and software packages, Microsoft Office, Libre Office, Software Package can be used easily by the beginners of e-content development.

Freeware: It can be used without any monetary charges. However, restrictions are imposed for its use, modification and redistribution. In this source code is not provided. This tool can be passed on to any one free of cost.

Open Source Software (OSS): It is computer software and its source code is made available to the pubic. It is licensed with an open source license. Copy right holder provides the rights to study modify and distribute the software free of cost to anyone for any purpose. Open Source Software is very often developed in a public collaborative manner.

Proprietary software is software that is owned by an individual or a company. It will have major restrictions on its use and its source code usually kept secret. These are exclusive property of their developers and can’t be copied or distributed without complying with their licensing agreements.

Public domain software: The copy right holder donates it to the public. It is available free of cost to every one and it can be used by any one for any purpose and only with very minimal restrictions.