What is meant by the name "Freeware"?
Freeware is a label that is used freely throughout the internet and quite regularly by mistake. It may be the use of the word "Free" in the title that has caused the definition to get confused with most people thinking that they can use this software however they like. Unfortunately "Freeware" doesn't mean Free
With Freeware the author still retains the rights to the software and the software is still licensed but they allow you the license for an unlimited time with no cost. The software license as a rule restricts the usage in some way so that, for example, 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 the need for a license?
Yes you can use this software for free for as long as you like but often the developer would like to attract your attention to their products or better software that you need to pay for. For instance, the developer wants you to use a 'Lite' copy of the software and be so impressed with it that you buy the full pro version or they want you to go to their website to download it where they hope to tempt you with other goods.
Is this a bad thing? No. It's great!
null There may be some marketing behind allowing you to use the software for free but you still get to use it no matter what the ploy is. And if you do like the 'Lite' version of the software why not go ahead and buy the full pro version.
So what kind of software is absolutely free?
I would recommend 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.
Just to keep you straight, here are a couple of other terms that are used that may lead you to think that the software is "Free"
Shareware - This type of software you can distribute as much as you like as long as you don't take payment or modify the source code. Normally, 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 - You can modify and distribute this software however much you like. You can use it to create your own software packages and some of the best software around is open source software. 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.
Freeware is a label that is used freely throughout the internet and quite regularly by mistake. It may be the use of the word "Free" in the title that has caused the definition to get confused with most people thinking that they can use this software however they like. Unfortunately "Freeware" doesn't mean Free
With Freeware the author still retains the rights to the software and the software is still licensed but they allow you the license for an unlimited time with no cost. The software license as a rule restricts the usage in some way so that, for example, 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 the need for a license?
Yes you can use this software for free for as long as you like but often the developer would like to attract your attention to their products or better software that you need to pay for. For instance, the developer wants you to use a 'Lite' copy of the software and be so impressed with it that you buy the full pro version or they want you to go to their website to download it where they hope to tempt you with other goods.
Is this a bad thing? No. It's great!
null There may be some marketing behind allowing you to use the software for free but you still get to use it no matter what the ploy is. And if you do like the 'Lite' version of the software why not go ahead and buy the full pro version.
So what kind of software is absolutely free?
I would recommend 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.
Just to keep you straight, here are a couple of other terms that are used that may lead you to think that the software is "Free"
Shareware - This type of software you can distribute as much as you like as long as you don't take payment or modify the source code. Normally, 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 - You can modify and distribute this software however much you like. You can use it to create your own software packages and some of the best software around is open source software. 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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