What is meant by the name "Freeware"?
Quite often the name "Freeware" is used wrongly. It could be the use of the word "Free" in the name that has caused the definition to become confused with most people thinking that they can use this software however they like. Alas "Freeware" doesn't mean Free
You can use Freeware for as long as you like without making any payment but this software still has a license restricting how you can use it. The software license commonly restricts the usage in some way so that, for instance, the core files are not allowed to be modified, or you are not allowed to re-distribute the software or take any payment for making the software available for download.
Why would they do this and not just give you the software to do with as you see fit?
There is usually a reason for why the developer has chosen to allow you to use this software for free. It may be that there is a "pro " copy of the software that has much more functionality but that you need to pay for. Alternatively the download link for the Freeware version may be sat along side much better software that they hope to tempt you with.
Does this make Freeware bad? No. How can something that you can use for free be bad?
OK. Maybe there is some kind of marketing agenda going on and maybe they would like you to purchase the pro version but you are still getting to use the software for nothing. Maybe the lite version is enough for your needs but if you are tempted by the pro version at least you have had a good (Free) opportunity to review the lite version.
What kind of software is "Free Software"?
I would suggest reading any small print before deciding for yourself that you can do as you see fit with someone elses software but the correct term is "Free Software" but this term is also very often misused so check the small print.
Here a a couple or other terms relating to Free Software where the meanings have become misused.
Shareware - This type of software is often very similar to Freeware except that it doesn't have the all important "License with no cost". Generally, this software gives you a licence to use the software for a set period (typically 30 days) after which time you need to make a payment to the developer to continue using it.
Open source - This type of software basically allows you to modify it, use it and distribute it as you see fit, the source code is open. What you are never allowed to do is to sell anything that you create from using someone elses open source software. You must also always credit the original author of the software and leave any credit tags embedded within it.
Quite often the name "Freeware" is used wrongly. It could be the use of the word "Free" in the name that has caused the definition to become confused with most people thinking that they can use this software however they like. Alas "Freeware" doesn't mean Free
You can use Freeware for as long as you like without making any payment but this software still has a license restricting how you can use it. The software license commonly restricts the usage in some way so that, for instance, the core files are not allowed to be modified, or you are not allowed to re-distribute the software or take any payment for making the software available for download.
Why would they do this and not just give you the software to do with as you see fit?
There is usually a reason for why the developer has chosen to allow you to use this software for free. It may be that there is a "pro " copy of the software that has much more functionality but that you need to pay for. Alternatively the download link for the Freeware version may be sat along side much better software that they hope to tempt you with.
Does this make Freeware bad? No. How can something that you can use for free be bad?
OK. Maybe there is some kind of marketing agenda going on and maybe they would like you to purchase the pro version but you are still getting to use the software for nothing. Maybe the lite version is enough for your needs but if you are tempted by the pro version at least you have had a good (Free) opportunity to review the lite version.
What kind of software is "Free Software"?
I would suggest reading any small print before deciding for yourself that you can do as you see fit with someone elses software but the correct term is "Free Software" but this term is also very often misused so check the small print.
Here a a couple or other terms relating to Free Software where the meanings have become misused.
Shareware - This type of software is often very similar to Freeware except that it doesn't have the all important "License with no cost". Generally, this software gives you a licence to use the software for a set period (typically 30 days) after which time you need to make a payment to the developer to continue using it.
Open source - This type of software basically allows you to modify it, use it and distribute it as you see fit, the source code is open. What you are never allowed to do is to sell anything that you create from using someone elses open source software. You must also always credit the original author of the software and leave any credit tags embedded within it.
About the Author:
Apple Mac Freeware is the best resource of Free Mac Software on the internet. You won't find any Shareware or paid software listed on our website just 100% Free Software for Mac.
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