There’s an article at the Washington post looking back to 25 years ago. It concerns PC World’s editor and the birth of freeware (and its evil twin, shareware). Worth a look.
Archive for the 'Miscellaneous' Category
Rest in peace! I used Netscape Communicator (version 4, I think) for a long time in the late 90’s while designing my website. It was about the coolest thing on the net, and I never thought about using Microsoft IE.
Look at that logo. Pure badassery. (It was hard to find.)
Since this is a freeware site, and this is the first real post, let’s define what freeware is.
Wikipedia says it is “copyrighted computer software which is made available for use free of charge, for an unlimited time.”
Some NOTs:
- Shareware is NOT freeware.
- Freeware does NOT have to be open source or have the source code made available.
Some CANs:
- Freeware CAN have user-type limitations, like only free for an individual or non-profit use.
- Freeware CAN have time limitations on use, but if any pay-or-you-can’t-use enters the picture, it’s not freeware but shareware.
- Freeware CAN require registration or require you to send the author a postcard if you like it (”postcardware” is borderline freeware).
- Freeware CAN include a request for donations, as long as it is not required. A donation nag screen is borderline.
Pricelessware Freeware also has a great glossary worth looking at that distinguishes the different types of software.
To me, though, true freeware is for anyone, for any purpose and is without time limitations (as long as you don’t fool with the software or deconstruct it, of course). True freeware allows Mr. Billionaire Gates or Mr. Homeless W. Wireless to use some piece of software for world domination or to paint some pictures, or both.
It’s 2008. New year, new blog. I hope to make this into a great one. Subscribe to the feed to get daily freeware news, software picks, and more.
Viva la freeware!!
