What is Freeware?

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By Howie Fisher


Freeware is free software that you can download for free. The term Freeware means free software. Freeware is straightforward to download, can be accessed numerous times over limitless period of time, without the need for a license.

Freeware can include a vast range of different software, from business related programs to screensavers. It is a fantastic resource. A lot of people worry about viruses and this makes them feel uneasy about downloading Freeware. These are relevant concerns, as some of the available Freeware does contain malicious software.

It is essential to take sensible steps to keep your computer protected. Sticking to the larger, popular Freeware sites is usually a good plan. Reputable websites will have vetted their programs through testing them for users, before they will share them.

This is not always the case mind you, as some are far more interested in quantity rather than quality. Size is not always an indication of safety though because there are sites who list anything at all to be able to claim the largest selection.

When you think that a Google search for Freeware returns in excess of 150 million pages of results, you realise why searching for the best Freeware can be daunting. A reliable way to do a little research to identify trustworthy sites is in message boards. With a little research you should soon be able to learn which software people have had both good and bad experiences with, enabling you to learn by their mistakes and save yourself some time. Large directories which encourageusers to leave feedback on software products are also very useful.

Some Freeware is free as it is awful and no person in their right mind would ever part with cash for it. Others may be handy to use for free, but are not quite useful enough to persuade individuals to actually go out and pay for them.

Then there are the incredibly good freeware programs that have been created by gifted programmers who want to share their fantastic software. Why would anyone spend so much time on a project then release it free of charge? Most programmers are hopeful that they will get credit later on for creating a useful program. Although it is not a stipulation, many programmers will happily accept any voluntary donations. There is never an obligatory charge for its use.

A number of people get Freeware mixed up with Shareware. They are not the same. With Shareware you can use various software for a trial period for free, but you have to pay the for the full version if you like it and wish to carry on using it.




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