12:52 PM
Kinsz
So, precisely what is mac freeware?
Quite often the term "Freeware" is used wrongly. I suspect that the source of the confusion is down to the person that first coined the phrase "Freeware" and included "Free" in it. The term itself does impart the notion that it can used however you like. It's free after all? Unfortunately "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 as a rule 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 the need for a license?
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. 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.
What kind of software is "Free Software"?
Totally free software is know as "Free Software" but this again is a term that has become misused so I would double check by reading any licences or small print before using it as a base to develop your own software.
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. Typically, 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 term "Freeware" is used wrongly. I suspect that the source of the confusion is down to the person that first coined the phrase "Freeware" and included "Free" in it. The term itself does impart the notion that it can used however you like. It's free after all? Unfortunately "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 as a rule 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 the need for a license?
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. 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.
What kind of software is "Free Software"?
Totally free software is know as "Free Software" but this again is a term that has become misused so I would double check by reading any licences or small print before using it as a base to develop your own software.
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. Typically, 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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