What does a software license allow a user to do?

A software license primarily grants a user the legal right to use the software in accordance with the terms set forth by the licensor, which could include specific conditions and limitations. This means that while a user may install and operate the software on their devices or networks, they do not own the software outright in the traditional sense. Instead, they hold a license that details how they may interact with the software, such as the duration of use, geographical restrictions, and whether they can share the software or make copies.

The concept of ownership implies a more permanent and unrestricted form of possession, which is not the case with most software licenses, as users are typically granted limited rights. Likewise, while transferring ownership or making modifications to the software may be possible under certain licenses, such rights usually require specific permissions and are not universally granted in every license agreement. Thus, the legal authorization to use the software is the fundamental aspect that the correct answer emphasizes.