So, what is mac freeware?
Freeware is a term that is used liberally across the internet and fairly regularly by mistake. 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 give the idea that it can used however you like. It's free after all? Sorry to say "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 limiting how you can use it. The software license normally 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 would they do this and not just give you the software to do with as you see fit?
The simple answer is that whilst you can use the software for as long as you like without payment, there is quite often a business or marketing incentive behind the cost free license. 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 a bit of a con? No. How can something that you can use for free be bad?
OK. 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 scheme 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"?
I would urge reading any small print before deciding for yourself that you can do as you see fit with someone elses software but the correct term is "Free Software" but this term is also very often misused so check the small print.
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. You must also always credit the original author of the software and leave any credit tags embedded within it.
Freeware is a term that is used liberally across the internet and fairly regularly by mistake. 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 give the idea that it can used however you like. It's free after all? Sorry to say "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 limiting how you can use it. The software license normally 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 would they do this and not just give you the software to do with as you see fit?
The simple answer is that whilst you can use the software for as long as you like without payment, there is quite often a business or marketing incentive behind the cost free license. 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 a bit of a con? No. How can something that you can use for free be bad?
OK. 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 scheme 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"?
I would urge reading any small print before deciding for yourself that you can do as you see fit with someone elses software but the correct term is "Free Software" but this term is also very often misused so check the small print.
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. 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.