LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE: Difference between revisions
From LimeSurvey Manual
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
=Introduction= | =Introduction= | ||
Before starting the discussion about '''LimeSurvey PRO''' (LimeSurvey Professional) and '''LimeSurvey CE''' (LimeSurvey Community Edition), it is important to understand the difference between ''LimeSurvey'' and ''LimeSurvey GmbH''. The first refers to the web server-based software that is distributed under the [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.en.html GNU General Public License v2] (GPL v2) | Before starting the discussion about '''LimeSurvey PRO''' (LimeSurvey Professional) and '''LimeSurvey CE''' (LimeSurvey Community Edition), it is important to understand the difference between ''LimeSurvey'' and ''LimeSurvey GmbH''. The first refers to the web server-based software that is freely distributed under the [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.en.html GNU General Public License v2] (GPL v2). The latter refers to the company that was build around the LimeSurvey software in order to better coordinate its development and provide different LimeSurvey paid services (e.g. hosting, personalized templates, addons, technical support, and so on). | ||
<div class="simplebox">[[File:help.png]] To read more about the license of LimeSurvey, access the following link: https://www.limesurvey.org/about-limesurvey/license.</div> | <div class="simplebox">[[File:help.png]] To read more about the license of LimeSurvey, access the following link: https://www.limesurvey.org/about-limesurvey/license.</div> | ||
Due to its license, LimeSurvey is an <u>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source_software open-source software]</u> that can be used, modified, and distributed for commercial, private, and educational purposes by anyone. With the exception of the name and logo which are trademarked, the software can be used in any desired way. For example, there is no problem to use LimeSurvey in order to create and distribute questionnaires regarding the evaluation of a university class or professor or to install it on a personal server and conduct online | Due to its license, LimeSurvey is an <u>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source_software open-source software]</u> that can be used, modified, and distributed for commercial, private, and educational purposes by anyone. '''With the exception of the name and logo which are trademarked''', the software can be used in any desired way. For example, there is no problem to use LimeSurvey in order to create and distribute questionnaires regarding the evaluation of a university class or professor, or to install it on a personal server and conduct online/ offline marketing research for the company you work for. | ||
<div class="simplebox">[[File:help.png]] LimeSurvey is an open-source software. This means that its code is fully disclosed. To access it, check the following GitHub link: https://github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey</div> | <div class="simplebox">[[File:help.png]] LimeSurvey is an open-source software. This means that its code is fully disclosed. To access it, check the following GitHub link: https://github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey</div> | ||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
However, some of you might find consider that the installation process is a time-consuming task. Moreover, server administration knowledge might be required in order to avoid possible gridlocks. Hence, LimeSurvey GmbH offers different services built around the capabilities of the LimeSurvey software and the users' needs. For example, [https://www.limesurvey.org/ LimeSurvey GmbH] offers [https://www.limesurvey.org/editions-and-prices/limesurvey-pro/editions-and-prices-professional PRO hosting services] in order to help users provide direct access to an up-and-running LimeSurvey installation. | However, some of you might find consider that the installation process is a time-consuming task. Moreover, server administration knowledge might be required in order to avoid possible gridlocks. Hence, LimeSurvey GmbH offers different services built around the capabilities of the LimeSurvey software and the users' needs. For example, [https://www.limesurvey.org/ LimeSurvey GmbH] offers [https://www.limesurvey.org/editions-and-prices/limesurvey-pro/editions-and-prices-professional PRO hosting services] in order to help users provide direct access to an up-and-running LimeSurvey installation. | ||
<center>[[File:provsce.png]]</center> | <center>[[File:provsce.png]]</center> | ||
| Line 24: | Line 25: | ||
=LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE= | =LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE= | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" | Check the following table in order to better grasp the main differences that exist between the two services: | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; color: black" | |||
|+LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE - Summary | |+LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE - Summary | ||
!LimeSurvey PRO | !LimeSurvey PRO | ||
| Line 35: | Line 38: | ||
|Freemium & Premium versions available. | |Freemium & Premium versions available. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|It always uses the latest stable version of LimeSurvey | |It always uses the latest stable version of LimeSurvey. | ||
|You get access not only to the latest releases but also to the older ones. It is | |You get access not only to the latest releases but also to the older ones. It is up to you which one you wish to use. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Technical support included for the paid packages | |Technical support included for the paid packages. | ||
|Technical ComfortUpdate support included for the premium packages. | |Technical ComfortUpdate support included for the premium packages. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Contains all features that makes LimeSurvey great. | |Contains all the features that makes LimeSurvey great. | ||
|Contains all features that makes LimeSurvey great. | |Contains all the features that makes LimeSurvey great. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|LimeSurvey PRO comes with response and storage usage buttons due to the limitations imposed by the subscription packages. | |LimeSurvey PRO comes with response and storage usage buttons due to the limitations imposed by the subscription packages. | ||
| Line 48: | Line 51: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|No server access. This means that no third-party plugins/extensions can be added to your LimeSurvey installation. | |No server access. This means that no third-party plugins/extensions can be added to your LimeSurvey installation. | ||
|If you own your server, you | |If you own your server, you can access your LimeSurvey installation. You can start [[Optional settings|tweaking it]] and further enhance it by adding additional extensions/add-ons. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|The ComfortUpdate tool is utilized to upgrade the LimeSurvey installation. | |The ComfortUpdate tool is utilized to upgrade the LimeSurvey installation. | ||
|The ComfortUpdate tool is utilized to upgrade the LimeSurvey installation. | |The ComfortUpdate tool is utilized to upgrade the LimeSurvey installation. Moreover, the update can also be done manually. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |You save precious time by using our available hosting and avoiding any server or installation configuration. | ||
|Ideal for hands-on people with technical knowledge. | |Ideal for hands-on people with technical knowledge. [[LimeSurvey_Manual|The LimeSurvey manual]] represents a great place from where you can start learning about this software. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Reliable response inflow due to a self-renewing subscription system. | |Reliable response inflow due to a self-renewing subscription system. | ||
| Line 60: | Line 63: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Full flexibility due to a cancellation period of only 3 days until the date of renewal. | |Full flexibility due to a cancellation period of only 3 days until the date of renewal. | ||
|The software is hosted on your servers. | |The software is hosted on your servers. No linkages between the activity performed by you with the help of the ''LimeSurvey software'' and ''LimeSurvey GmbH''. | ||
|} | |} | ||
{{Box|Please | {{Box|Please note that the above table is just a summary of the main features provided by the two versions of LimeSurvey. For an exhaustive description, access the following limesurvey.org links: [https://www.limesurvey.org/editions-and-prices/limesurvey-pro/editions-and-prices-professional LimeSurvey PRO] and [https://www.limesurvey.org/editions-and-prices/limesurvey-ce/editions-and-prices-community LimeSurvey CE]. This should help you get a complete description of what each of them can do.}} | ||
==LimeSurvey CE== | ==LimeSurvey CE== | ||
Let's assume that you have been convinced by | Let's assume that you have been convinced by '''LimeSurvey CE''' and you would like now to install it on your server. To download LimeSurvey CE, access the '''Project''' tab from the LimeSurvey main toolbar and click on the Download option: | ||
| Line 82: | Line 85: | ||
Four boxes will be displayed: | Four boxes will be displayed: | ||
*'''LimeSurvey PRO''': If you click on the '''create installation''' button, you will be first asked to create a [https://www.limesurvey.org LimeSurvey.org] account in order to be able to access your online LimeSurvey installation. If you wish to use our hosting services, continue reading the following quick start guide: [[Quick start guide|LimeSurvey PRO Quick Start Guide]]. | *'''LimeSurvey PRO''': If you click on the '''create installation''' button, you will be first asked to create a [https://www.limesurvey.org LimeSurvey.org] account in order to be able to access your online LimeSurvey installation. If you wish to use our hosting services, continue reading the following quick start guide: [[Quick start guide|LimeSurvey PRO Quick Start Guide]]. | ||
*'''LimeSurvey CE''': It allows you to download the LimeSurvey software, archived in a different formats and also in an executable file (usually is the latest link). Use it if you would like to install LimeSurvey on your own server or on your personal computer for personal testing. It is ideal for hands-on people with technical knowledge. You will see that the LimeSurvey CE is divided into stable releases and development releases. For a rock-solid software, go for stable release. However, if you would like to test | *'''LimeSurvey CE''': It allows you to download the LimeSurvey software, archived in a different formats and also in an executable file (usually is the latest link). Use it if you would like to install LimeSurvey on your own server or on your personal computer for personal testing. It is ideal for hands-on people with technical knowledge. You will see that the LimeSurvey CE is divided into stable releases and development releases. For a rock-solid software, go for the stable release. However, if you would like to test new LimeSurvey features and you want help us solve bugs, go for the development release. | ||
<div class="simplebox">[[File:help.png]]To get access to the latest software developments, [https://github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey follow us on GitHub].</div> | <div class="simplebox">[[File:help.png]] To get access to the latest software developments, [https://github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey follow us on GitHub].</div> | ||
*'''Templates:''' You may find here example surveys, label sets, and question templates in various languages. All the templates are community-made. You can also contribute by uploading your work and make it publicly available to the other users. | *'''Templates:''' You may find here example surveys, label sets, and question templates in various languages. All the templates are community-made. You can also contribute by uploading your work and make it publicly available to the other users. | ||
| Line 93: | Line 96: | ||
==LimeSurvey PRO== | ==LimeSurvey PRO== | ||
If you have been convinced by the easiness with which you can start | If you have been convinced by the easiness with which you can start you research work, click on the '''create installation''' button. | ||
Access the following [[Quick start guide|step-by-step guide]] to learn how to create a LimeSurvey PRO account and launch your first survey. | Access the following [[Quick start guide|step-by-step guide]] to learn how to create a LimeSurvey PRO account and launch your first survey. | ||
=What if I still have questions?= | =What if I still have questions?= | ||
We have a lovable community. You are more than welcome to post your questions and/or thoughts on our [https://www.limesurvey.org/forum LimeSurvey forums] or [irc://irc.freenode.net/limesurvey|LimeSurvey IRC channel]: | |||
<div class="simplebox"><center>'''[https://www.limesurvey.org/community-services/live-chat Direct link to the official LimeSurvey IRC Channel]'''</center></div> | <div class="simplebox"><center>'''[https://www.limesurvey.org/community-services/live-chat Direct link to the official LimeSurvey IRC Channel]'''</center></div> | ||
</translate> | </translate> | ||
Revision as of 10:57, 27 October 2017
Introduction
Before starting the discussion about LimeSurvey PRO (LimeSurvey Professional) and LimeSurvey CE (LimeSurvey Community Edition), it is important to understand the difference between LimeSurvey and LimeSurvey GmbH. The first refers to the web server-based software that is freely distributed under the GNU General Public License v2 (GPL v2). The latter refers to the company that was build around the LimeSurvey software in order to better coordinate its development and provide different LimeSurvey paid services (e.g. hosting, personalized templates, addons, technical support, and so on).
To read more about the license of LimeSurvey, access the following link: https://www.limesurvey.org/about-limesurvey/license.Due to its license, LimeSurvey is an open-source software that can be used, modified, and distributed for commercial, private, and educational purposes by anyone. With the exception of the name and logo which are trademarked, the software can be used in any desired way. For example, there is no problem to use LimeSurvey in order to create and distribute questionnaires regarding the evaluation of a university class or professor, or to install it on a personal server and conduct online/ offline marketing research for the company you work for.
LimeSurvey is an open-source software. This means that its code is fully disclosed. To access it, check the following GitHub link: https://github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurveyIn order to install LimeSurvey on your personal computer (for development reasons) or on your server, a minimal set of requirements needs to be met in order to have LimeSurvey up and running. For an exhaustive step-by-step explanation on how to install LimeSurvey, read our installation guideline.
However, some of you might find consider that the installation process is a time-consuming task. Moreover, server administration knowledge might be required in order to avoid possible gridlocks. Hence, LimeSurvey GmbH offers different services built around the capabilities of the LimeSurvey software and the users' needs. For example, LimeSurvey GmbH offers PRO hosting services in order to help users provide direct access to an up-and-running LimeSurvey installation.
LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE
Check the following table in order to better grasp the main differences that exist between the two services:
| LimeSurvey PRO | LimeSurvey CE |
|---|---|
| The hosting is provided by LimeSurvey. The creation of an up-and-running installation should not take more than 5 minutes. | Made to be self-hosted. |
| Four available types of subscription: FREE, BASIC, EXPERT, and ENTERPRISE. | Freemium & Premium versions available. |
| It always uses the latest stable version of LimeSurvey. | You get access not only to the latest releases but also to the older ones. It is up to you which one you wish to use. |
| Technical support included for the paid packages. | Technical ComfortUpdate support included for the premium packages. |
| Contains all the features that makes LimeSurvey great. | Contains all the features that makes LimeSurvey great. |
| LimeSurvey PRO comes with response and storage usage buttons due to the limitations imposed by the subscription packages. | LimeSurvey CE doesn't contain such buttons, its limitation being represented by the amount of space allocated from the personal server to the LimeSurvey-related tasks. |
| No server access. This means that no third-party plugins/extensions can be added to your LimeSurvey installation. | If you own your server, you can access your LimeSurvey installation. You can start tweaking it and further enhance it by adding additional extensions/add-ons. |
| The ComfortUpdate tool is utilized to upgrade the LimeSurvey installation. | The ComfortUpdate tool is utilized to upgrade the LimeSurvey installation. Moreover, the update can also be done manually. |
| You save precious time by using our available hosting and avoiding any server or installation configuration. | Ideal for hands-on people with technical knowledge. The LimeSurvey manual represents a great place from where you can start learning about this software. |
| Reliable response inflow due to a self-renewing subscription system. | The only limitation is related to your server and its configuration. |
| Full flexibility due to a cancellation period of only 3 days until the date of renewal. | The software is hosted on your servers. No linkages between the activity performed by you with the help of the LimeSurvey software and LimeSurvey GmbH. |
Please note that the above table is just a summary of the main features provided by the two versions of LimeSurvey. For an exhaustive description, access the following limesurvey.org links: LimeSurvey PRO and LimeSurvey CE. This should help you get a complete description of what each of them can do.
LimeSurvey CE
Let's assume that you have been convinced by LimeSurvey CE and you would like now to install it on your server. To download LimeSurvey CE, access the Project tab from the LimeSurvey main toolbar and click on the Download option:
The following page will load up:
Four boxes will be displayed:
- LimeSurvey PRO: If you click on the create installation button, you will be first asked to create a LimeSurvey.org account in order to be able to access your online LimeSurvey installation. If you wish to use our hosting services, continue reading the following quick start guide: LimeSurvey PRO Quick Start Guide.
- LimeSurvey CE: It allows you to download the LimeSurvey software, archived in a different formats and also in an executable file (usually is the latest link). Use it if you would like to install LimeSurvey on your own server or on your personal computer for personal testing. It is ideal for hands-on people with technical knowledge. You will see that the LimeSurvey CE is divided into stable releases and development releases. For a rock-solid software, go for the stable release. However, if you would like to test new LimeSurvey features and you want help us solve bugs, go for the development release.
To get access to the latest software developments, follow us on GitHub.- Templates: You may find here example surveys, label sets, and question templates in various languages. All the templates are community-made. You can also contribute by uploading your work and make it publicly available to the other users.
- Extensions: LimeSurvey supports plugins and extensions. By clicking on the see extensions button, you get access to a directory that contains all the LimeSurvey third-party extensions (your own contribution can also be listed here).
Only LimeSurvey CE supports third-party plugins!
LimeSurvey PRO
If you have been convinced by the easiness with which you can start you research work, click on the create installation button. Access the following step-by-step guide to learn how to create a LimeSurvey PRO account and launch your first survey.
What if I still have questions?
We have a lovable community. You are more than welcome to post your questions and/or thoughts on our LimeSurvey forums or IRC channel: