best way to store full license on server (open source)

how to show / store open source on server

[meelosh]

Hi all...hoping someone can help
i have been using open source scipts for a long time now and always put or leave the credits of the developer on the js page for legall puposes.
it has been brought to my attention recently that i need to store the complete license in reference on my server with a read me file.
not quite sure what best practice is on showing or keeping the licenses on my server....can someone tell me what the best practice is to keep the complete license details on the server.......mainly jquery scripts.
thanks

[phranque]

although there are a handful of open source licenses in wide usage, there are actually dozens that have been used.
you haven't identified which license you are subject to.
i would read the specifics of that license and act accordingly.

you can find to the license descriptions at the open source initiative:
Open Source Licenses ¦ Open Source Initiative:
[opensource.org...]

additional useful information at the free software foundation:
Licenses - Free Software Foundation:
[fsf.org...]

assuming you are referring to the GPL, this may be the answer to your question:
[fsf.org...]

[kaled]

If you use several such products, create a "credits" page with a link to each product and a link to each license (stored on your server).

For any freeware product, whether open source or not, that should be sufficient provided the credits page can be easily found. I would also suggest that you do not use nofollow when linking out.

Kaled.

[bateman_ap]

I must admit I never really thought of this, with leaving credits in the js file, what if you are using a tool that wraps all your js files into one. Compresses, minified and removes all commenting?

[meelosh]

thanks for the tips guys
this is something i have just recently been exposed too....and have always just left the credits in the script ...but just stating what license and usually a url to the license. i think i will develop a credits page in my links section.
when using tools to strip js of comments and compress it...it is important to replace the credits (in my opinion)...especially if you are in a competitive environment where it is easier to hurt your site than out rank it. i try leaving nothing for the competitors to get their grubby little paws on. call me paranoid but i have run into some people that will stop at nothing to hurt my sites instead of making theirs better.
thanks again for the advice

[kaled]

I have published a few scripts. In each I state that modifications may be made and comments may be removed but the license and copyright information must remain unchanged (and modified versions must not be published). There may be other terms and conditions but I don't bother with generic licenses - I've glanced at them from time to time but they just look to long-winded.

Kaled.

[meelosh]

Jip..thanks Kaled i think i might just be a tad overly concerned here.
i think as long as i leave credit where credit is due it should be fine.
thanks for the input