Final answer:
The primary distinction between an active and inactive license is that an active license is valid and functioning, granting access to the software, whereas an inactive license has expired and no longer provides access.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between an active and inactive license relates to its current status and usability. Option 2) correctly defines that an active license is valid for a specific period of time and fully usable, while an inactive license has expired and cannot be used to access the software until it is renewed or reactivated. Option 1) may partially apply depending on the software's terms of use, but it is not the primary distinction. Option 3) and Option 4) do not generally define the difference between active and inactive licenses, as those features can vary based on the software provider's policies and do not necessarily indicate the license's activation status.