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Freeware: really free
Sometimes, you can get more than what you pay for. Free software
on the Net is simply getting better, as most versions are
not disabled, they don't time out, and some users find the
freeware better than the bought version of the software.
Often available from the same Web sites as shareware, freeware
will often include advertising that runs while you use the
program. You may find it annoying but the programmers need
to add it if they can-after all, someone has to pay for lunch.
Although it is available free, the programmer retains the
copyright to the freeware. This usually means you can use
the software, but not sell it. Sometimes the programmer offers
you extended enhancements for a fee, but they are not mandatory.
Where to find share, free and demo programs
There are a number of program Web sites (tucows.com
and download.com, for
example) that provide links to developers' sites, but it is
rare for the program sites to host files.
The few shareware sites that do host files usually scan their
collections quite thoroughly, but if there is any doubt in
terms of trust or in regards to support for the product then
the best method is to download a shareware file directly from
the programmer's Web site.
Carefully read the download information on the shareware/freeware
or programmer's Web site before loading a program on to your
computer. In addition, it is important to review the licensing
or terms-of-use agreement for each program.
Free lunch, you say; issues to consider
before downloading
Shareware is a great concept, but there is no such thing
as a free lunch. At a minimum, you can count on developers
asking for information from you, and in some instances, spyware
is installed to track your usage, habits and movements online.
Spyware is attached to some of the most popular Internet downloads,
like the program Kazaa, which follows Napster's file-swapping
legacy.
The use of spyware should remind you of the main point of
shareware, freeware and demoware: they are marketing devices
for software developers. Similar to spyware, tracking software
is also used frequently. This embedded program relays statistical
information from a customer's PC to an organization's server.
The tracking company will not be able to attribute your surfing
habits directly to you, however some degree of data mining
is utilized and many users dislike having their surfing habits
collected.
Although it's annoying, spyware causes no damage to your
system, which is unlike computer viruses. The risk
of getting a virus is ever-present and downloading software
from unknown sources is just asking for trouble. Happily,
shareware developers have a superb track record for providing
thoroughly scrutinized products. Developers, webmasters and
other system operators closely scan programs before each is
made available to consumers.
Another point to consider is copyrights. There is
a popular misconception that purchased software is free to
distribute and that shareware and freeware downloaded from
the Internet can be sold, so it is important to remember that
any copyright pertaining to the licensed version also applies
to its shareware. To ensure you are legally distributing someone
else's shareware, check the program for any distribution restrictions
the author may have placed on their software.
We all like to get something for nothing and there is a lot
of free software available on the Internet, ranging from screen
savers to utility programs. With such a range available, think
of demoware as taking a new car for a test drive with the
salesperson in the passenger seat, shareware as the opportunity
to take an extended test drive, and freeware as having total
access to someone else's car. These are good options to have,
even if you just want to "borrow" someone's car, see how it
handles, and then drive your own vehicle off the show room
floor. Happy downloading :-)
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