Proprietary software is a type of software that is owned by an individual or a company. The source code, which is the underlying code that makes the software work, is not made available to the public. Users typically need to purchase a license to use the software, and they are often restricted in how they can modify or share it. Examples of proprietary software include popular applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. These programs come with specific terms of use, and users must adhere to these terms to avoid legal issues. Proprietary software is often contrasted with open-source software, which allows users to view and modify the source code.