If we don’t know about it, software is that intangible thing that makes the computer and its tools work. NeverthelessThere are different classifications of this. Among them we can name according to its function, developer, application support or type of license to use.
This last typology is where we will stop and develop this post. A license is a kind of contract between the user and the developer. of said program. It defines and specifies copyright and intellectual property.
Within this classification there are different types, which we use on a daily basis without paying much attention to their license. To learn more about this topic, we invite you to read until the end of the text.
What is freeware and what is this software use license for?
Given its name in English, it is common to be confused with Due to the ambiguity of the termfree”. The main feature of this software is that its distribution is free and at the same tiempo owns a copyright with restrictions on its modification, sale and characteristics. Unlike free software, in which users can modify their code.
Within the freeware we can find those that offer full versions of it and others, in which functions are restricted to the most basic of more advanced products. In both cases it is possible to redistribute them, as long as the author of said software is mentioned. In particular cases, only the use for individual persons is allowed. With prohibitions if it is a company or government area.
It is also important to clarify the differences with the . Since both offer a free use and distribution program. However, the freeware stays that way indefinitely. Instead, the other expires after a trial period. And to continue using it you must purchase the paid license software. Although it is possible that, in some cases, the developer requests voluntary donations that allow him to continue providing support to the program.
What are the main features of freeware?
We have mentioned the differences between some types of software. It is time to explain what are the elements that define them:
- freedom of use. These programs they cannot restrict the time of use nor do they have trial time. Once obtained you can use it indefinitely. In most cases, it is available for all operating systems.
- freedom of distribution. Use them on as many compatible devices as you like. Send it to a friend. Or give away copies on the street. The only condition is that you mention the developer.
- anti-piracy. It would be ridiculous to buy a stolen item when it’s being given away elsewhere. With this logic, freewares prevent piracy and are offered for free from their official pages. This also helps keep your computer free of viruses and malicious programs that are filtered by cracks.
- source code not available. So far everything seemed very free. Nevertheless, these programs are copyrighted and the source code is only available to the developer. This means that users cannot modify the characteristics of the product, even to improve it.
- Forever. Once downloaded, the free software will remain free in perpetuity. Payments cannot be required to continue using it. In the same way, these programs are kept on the Internet, although not always on their official portal.
Freeware vs. Free Software vs. Open Source How is each one different?
At the beginning of the text we briefly mentioned that freeware and Free Software were different things. Let’s dig into this by adding to the software:
- free software. It is considered a free variant of shareware, since the source code such as the copyright license cannot be modified. The attributions remain with the developer. Nevertheless, free distribution is an attribution shared by these three types of programs.
- Free software. The differences with the freeware were already mentioned. With respect to those you own with open source software they lie in a philosophical question. While that of Free Software refers to a question of ethics, which maintains that users should have liberties over the program. The open source ones refer more to practical terms, as we will see later.
To be considered free, a program must have these freedoms:
- To run the program without restrictions whatever the purpose of the user.
- Of studying its operation and change it or customize it. For this it is essential to have access to the source code.
- Of redistribute the copies, even if they have been modified. Without any barrier that prevents it. The purpose of this redistribution must be to help other people (this is not controlled by anyone).
- At the same time must not have restrictions for its use and/or commercial distribution or for profit, unlike some Freewares. This means that you can commercialize a free program that you have modified. Although it will no longer be part of this category.
- the manuals of the software too must be included or available on another site for free.
- open source. Regarding this type of programs, we can say that its purpose It’s not ethical, it’s practical development. This current maintains that allowing other users modify the code source has as result in improvement in the quality of the program.
For an open source software to be named in such a way, it must have the following possibilities:
- Free and free distribution. Like the previous categories.
- Access to source code available. It shares this characteristic with free software.
- Redistribution of mods. This should be allowed, although sometimes it is only allowed in the form of patches or updates.
- Commercial use. Use for profit should not be prohibited.
- It should not be exclusive of a product. The program license cannot be part of a single larger distribution.
List of the most useful and popular freeware that you should have on your computer
Finally, we will show you only some of the most used free programs of the moment. It is possible even that you already have some of them and you have not realized that they are freeware:
Avast Antivirus
It is the most downloaded antivirus in the world. It is available for different operating systems and platforms. Although it offers a paid alternative, the free program meets all the requirements to be considered freeware.
QuickTime
Developed by Apple, is a very versatile multimedia content player and used by all video editors. By many it is considered as a type of software freemium, although it is included within the free programs.
discord
Conceived from the beginning as a platform to facilitate communication between gamers. It can be used for free and from the browser. It uses a minimum of resources, which does not interfere with the games.
Google Chrome
One of the most widely used browsers today. It is available for free and by default on mobile devices with Android. Unlike Mozilla, It does not have an open source.
Adobe Flash Player
Created by the Macromedia company, the software was later acquired by Adobe. Currently it can be purchased free of charge as an add-on for all major web browsers.
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