| Freeware |
Website Links For Freeware |
Information AboutFreeware |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT FREEWARE | |
| software distribution | |
| freewaresoftware distribution | |
| freeware | |
| proprietary software | |
|
HISTORY The term ''freeware'' was coined by on the term "freeware" but this trademark has since been abandoned. Fluegelman actually distributed PC-Talk via a process now referred to as Shareware . CRITERIA The only criterion for being classified as "freeware" is that the software must be made available for use for an unlimited time at no cost. The software license may impose one or more other restrictions on the type of use including personal use, individual use, non-profit use, non-commercial use, academic use, commercial use or any combination of these. For instance, the license may be "free for personal, non-commercial use." Everything created with the freeware programs can be distributed at no cost (for example graphic, documents, or sounds made by user). There is some software which may be considered freeware, but which has limited distribution; that is, it may only be downloaded from a specific site, and cannot be redistributed. Hence, this software wouldn't be Freely Redistributable Software . According to the basic definition, that software would be freeware; according to stricter definitions, it wouldn't be. The term 'freeware' may include Public Domain software and Proprietary Software . However, freeware does not include such Loss Leader s as Crippleware , Adware , Shareware or Demoware , where there is hidden cost to be paid to use the software. Such a cost may be having to give up part of your screen in order for the program to display advertising; continually being reminded about a "pro" version of the program via nag screens; having to use the program quickly before it becomes disabled; etc. Note that there are other types of costs than monetary when describing the term "free" as in "freeware." SEE ALSO
REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS |
|
|