Before we look at how we use IPCop, we need to first look at the background of IPCop and the tools it is built with. We also need to look at the licenses those tools are distributed under, and therefore the IPCop license. This chapter will be less beneficial for those who would like to get straight to the installation and configuration and already know the background of open-source software, the GPL, and Linux. We will, however, also look at the reasons to choose IPCop in this chapter and the unique features it has, which will be useful when deciding whether to or how to deploy IPCop. It is, therefore, extremely important.
Many people might have heard of several common types of software, such as freeware, which is software you are allowed to use for free and (more generically), commercial software such as Microsoft Windows or Adobe Photoshop. Commercial software, generally, comes with a license restricting you to use the software...