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 Freeware
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There's some great
freeware out there, but be careful - most come with no
guarantees or warranties.
You take full
responsibility for any freeware that you install on your
PC.
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Tech Terms
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See a word or phrase in the text to the right, type it
in the box below...
Click Get Term.
It will take you to internet.com's
Webopedia
with a definition.
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The right freeware
Freeware is a computer program that is given
away free by it's creator. Keep in mind that although it doesn't
cost you $$$, the author retains the copyright, which means you
must abide by the author's terms if you choose to install and use
it. Typically, these stipulations are employed to protect the author's
intellectual property rights, which include:
- allow the use of the program, but not the
right to modify or sell it.
- no responsibility for what the freeware might
do to your system.
Keep in mind that freeware is NOT shareware. You
can usually download shareware free of charge, but the author usually requests that you
pay a fee after using the program for a specified length
of time. Typically, the same intellectual property rights apply
concerning the use of shareware programs.
Warning: A few years ago when the Internet stock
bubble burst, the concept of freeware changed for many webmasters
and developers. Many web sites that ported ONLY freeware now stock
shareware as well. In addition, there seems to be more and more
banner ads and pop-up advertisements contending for your
attention. I suppose these web sites must pay for their existence
with advertising, rather than us having to pay for free programs.
Anyway, while I take no responsibility for their content, here's a
list of what I consider to be the best web site libraries for
freeware...
- Freeware
Arena nothing but freeware, good division
of categories descriptions, etc.
- Freeware
Home links to freeware, postcardware, and e-mailware
download sites; does not check download file for viruses, etc.;
nice children's area.
- NONAGS
a site that sifts through freeware, downloads, virus
scans, install, test, rate and lists 32-bit Windows software that has no disabled features, nags, time limits,
etc.; free area + members area.
- Snap
Files 5 gigabyte of locally hosted freeware files
and shareware trials; very fast downloads.
- Freeware
Guide a simple site that links
to other third party sites; does not check download file for
viruses or test programs.
back to top
Neither I, nor any web site you visit for
freeware takes responsibility for the results of downloading and
using freeware. When you click on a link or advertisement you are
dealing directly with the advertiser or service provider. They are
your source for any disagreements with the product or services
they provide. You must accept the vulnerabilities that go along
with the potential benefits of using freeware at your own risk. In
other words - you're on your own, buddy!
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