So, exactly what is mac freeware?
The name "Freeware" is often used throughout the internet but quite often wrongly. It might be the use of the word "Free" in the title that has caused the definition to get confused with most people thinking that they can use this software however they like. with 'Freeware' this is not the case.
Basically Freeware means that you can use the software indefinitely without making any payment. The software still has a license governing how you can use it. The software license normally 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 would they do this and not just give you the software to do with as you see fit?
Yes you can use this software for free for as long as you like but frequently the developer would like to attract your attention to their products or better software that you need to pay for. For example, the developer wants you to use a 'Lite' copy of the software and be so impressed with it that you buy the full pro version or they would like you to go to their website to download it where they hope to tempt you with other goods.
Does this mean that Freeware is a bit of a con? No. How can something that you can use for free be bad?
OK. 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. The bottom line is that if you are using the software and you like it then you can continue for as long as you like without payment.
So what kind of software is completely free?
I would advise 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.
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 is often very similar to Freeware except that it doesn't have the all important "License with no cost". Generally, this software gives you a licence to use the software for a fixed 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 can not do is sell this software or any software that you develop from it. Any license information contained within the source code must remain intact along with any credits to the previous developer.
The name "Freeware" is often used throughout the internet but quite often wrongly. It might be the use of the word "Free" in the title that has caused the definition to get confused with most people thinking that they can use this software however they like. with 'Freeware' this is not the case.
Basically Freeware means that you can use the software indefinitely without making any payment. The software still has a license governing how you can use it. The software license normally 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 would they do this and not just give you the software to do with as you see fit?
Yes you can use this software for free for as long as you like but frequently the developer would like to attract your attention to their products or better software that you need to pay for. For example, the developer wants you to use a 'Lite' copy of the software and be so impressed with it that you buy the full pro version or they would like you to go to their website to download it where they hope to tempt you with other goods.
Does this mean that Freeware is a bit of a con? No. How can something that you can use for free be bad?
OK. 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. The bottom line is that if you are using the software and you like it then you can continue for as long as you like without payment.
So what kind of software is completely free?
I would advise 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.
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 is often very similar to Freeware except that it doesn't have the all important "License with no cost". Generally, this software gives you a licence to use the software for a fixed 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 can not do is sell this software or any software that you develop from it. 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 largest collection of Free Mac Software on the internet. You will not find any Shareware or paid software listed on our site just 100% completely Free software for Macs.
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