OK. You say Free but exactly what is mac freeware?
The phrase "Freeware" is frequently used across the internet but quite often wrongly. I suspect that the root 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 impression that it can used however you like. It's free after all? with 'Freeware' this is not the case.
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 generally restricts the usage in some way so that, for example, 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 purpose 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 mean that Freeware is bad? No. It's great!
null Maybe there is some kind of marketing agenda going on and maybe they would like you to purchase the pro version but you are still getting to use the software for nothing. Maybe the lite version is enough for your needs but if you are tempted by the pro version at least you have had a good (Free) opportunity to review the lite version.
So what kind of software is absolutely free?
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.
Here a a couple or other terms relating to Free Software where the meanings have become misused.
Shareware - This type of software is often very similar to Freeware except that it doesn't have the all important "License with no cost". The big difference between this and Freeware is that the license to use the software only last for a limited time (usually 30 days) after which you need to make a payment 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. Any license information contained within the source code must remain intact along with any credits to the previous developer.
The phrase "Freeware" is frequently used across the internet but quite often wrongly. I suspect that the root 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 impression that it can used however you like. It's free after all? with 'Freeware' this is not the case.
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 generally restricts the usage in some way so that, for example, 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 purpose 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 mean that Freeware is bad? No. It's great!
null Maybe there is some kind of marketing agenda going on and maybe they would like you to purchase the pro version but you are still getting to use the software for nothing. Maybe the lite version is enough for your needs but if you are tempted by the pro version at least you have had a good (Free) opportunity to review the lite version.
So what kind of software is absolutely free?
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.
Here a a couple or other terms relating to Free Software where the meanings have become misused.
Shareware - This type of software is often very similar to Freeware except that it doesn't have the all important "License with no cost". The big difference between this and Freeware is that the license to use the software only last for a limited time (usually 30 days) after which you need to make a payment 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. Any license information contained within the source code must remain intact along with any credits to the previous developer.
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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