Gratis Software

Freeware contrasts with " Free Software ", because of the different meanings of the word "free". Freeware is described as " Gratis ", as in "free beer" and refers to free price, versus " Free Software " (described as " Libre "), as in "free speech", which refers to the license freedom.

FREEWARE LICENSING

The only criterion for being classified as "freeware" is that the software must be made available at no cost. The software license may impose other restrictions that limit the user's freedom. Freeware and "" is often confused with freeware. "Free software" is a term often used in reference to software released under the GPL or other Open Source licenses promoted by the Free Software Foundation ( FSF ).

HISTORY OF USE OF THE TERM

The term ''freeware'' was coined by Andrew Fluegelman when he wanted to sell a communications program named PC-Talk that he had created but for which he did not wish to use traditional methods of distribution because of their cost. Previously, he held a Trademark on the term "freeware" but this trademark has since been abandoned. Fluegelman actually distributed PC-Talk via a process now referred to as Shareware .

TYPES

There are many variations on the freeware model. Freeware is an Umbrella Term which includes:

Loss Leader . Commercial vendors often release freeware as a Loss Leader to attract customers to other services or products available for a fee. Often these are called Crippleware (older or stunted versions of the latest shareware).

Adware . Distributed as freeware, but it requires the user to view advertisements to use the software. Nagware has Shareware reminder notices before, during & after using the software), Many cases of Spyware have been adware.

Donationware or Beggarware or Nagware . The authors of donationware ask that anyone using their software make a donation to the authors or to some third party such as a Charity . Because the donation is optional, donationware may also be freeware or fall into some other category.

Abandonware . Commercial software that has not been sold for a long time or whose copyright holder is defunct; it has been "abandoned". The licenses of most such software forbid redistribution or require payment, so distributing it may violate the author's copyright (even if the author does not or cannot enforce it). Of course, this assumes that the author is tracible, notifiable or otherwise exists. "Legal abandonware" is a misnomer for commercial software that has been re-released by the copyright holder as freeware.

Postcardware . The software is essentially freeware, however the author requests that you send a post card expressing thanks and providing feedback.

Baitware . Very limited or defective freeware software, released to deceptively attract users and drive them to commercial products.

Related software types

Shareware is distributed similarly to freeware, except that it requires payment after some trial period.

---One type of shareware is Crippleware , for which the user can pay to unlock more features or get a "full version".

	CATEGORIES ABOUT FREEWARE

	software distribution

	freewaresoftware distribution

	freeware

	proprietary software

	APPAREL
	BABY
	BEAUTY
	BOOKS
	CAR TOYS
	CELL PHONES
	DVD'S
	ELECTRONICS
	GOURMET FOOD
	GROCERIES
	HEALTH & PERSONAL
	HOME & GARDEN
	JEWELRY
	MUSIC
	MUSIC INSTRUMENTS
	OFFICE PRODUCTS
	SOFTWARE
	SPORTING GOODS
	TOOLS & HARDWARE
	TOYS
	VIDEO GAMES
	SHOPPING HOME

	MORE SHOPPING...

Information About

Gratis Software