Trying Out Shareware and Freeware

Most of the software available for download from the sites listed above cannot be found in retail stores or ordered from mail-order companies. This software is most often created by individuals who program in their free time, usually for fun, but mainly because they have an idea that they want to share with others. Such products are usually distributed as shareware or freeware, and sometimes even as postcardware. Shareware titles are generally distributed on a trial basis. Aside from the cost of your Internet connection, you pay nothing to obtain and try out shareware; the authors generally only ask for payment if you find the product useful and decide to keep it. Authors of shareware encourage you to try their software and to share copies with your friends and coworkers. Some shareware authors accept payment directly. Many authors accept payment on the Internet through a clearinghouse, such as Kagi (www.kagi.com). Look for payment instructions in the Read Me file or other documentation files that come with the software.

In some cases, the shareware has a couple of key features removed, or it expires after some time. When you pay for the software, you get a registration code that you enter to remove the restrictions. Crippled, demonstration versions of shareware are becoming more commonplace as authors try to cope with the failings of the honor system.

Freeware, on the other hand, is completely free of these types of restrictions. The author is providing the world at large with the fruit of his or her labors and asks nothing in return. Usually software, released as freeware performs a specific task, and doesn’t have a very large scope. Other authors ask that you send them a note or a postcard to acknowledge the freeware; this type of freeware has been dubbed postcardware.

A mounting current in the developer community is referred to as open source software. It fits in with freeware, in the sense that all of the software that is released under an open source license doesn’t cost money, but it does have some interesting twists. Open source software is distributed with the source code to the program. The user can get at the inner programming of the software, see how the author designed it, make changes, and release the software himself with any changes he likes. Depending on the license that the original software was released under, the new author usually has to reference the original program, and must distribute the new source code under a similar license (i.e., with the same restrictions that the original license provided). Most open source software is released under the GNU Public License (GPL). More information about open source software can be found at www.opensource.org.

Understanding that free software and shareware do not become your property is important. Most freeware authors (and all shareware authors) retain the copyrights to their work. Their products are not in the public domain. You have a license to use the software, and you are generally encouraged to pass it around, but you can’t sell it. For specific rules about distributing a particular product, read the license agreement that comes with the product.

Support Shareware Authors

Shareware depends on the honor and honesty of the people who use it. If you decide to keep shareware installed on your disk, the Honorable Society of Civilized People politely insists that you immediately send payment to the author. The fees that you pay for the shareware you use today (often between $5 to $50) help fund development of even greater shareware by giving the authors incentive to continue coding. For detailed information about the amount of payment requested for a particular shareware product and where to send payment, check each product’s Read Me file, About menu command, onscreen help menu, or Web site.

Using shareware and freeware

Although this Chapter describes shareware and free software, it does not include detailed operating instructions. This Chapter is only intended to be a starting point because there is such a wealth of software to be found, and there is not enough space to describe more than a few choice tools. Because such software can often only be downloaded from the Internet, it doesn’t come with printed manuals. Instead, this software usually comes with a text document, frequently named the Read Me file. You can also check for onscreen help in the Help menu while the software is running.

Shareware and freeware programs aren’t always as stable as commercial software. Be sure to follow the instructions and discussions provided by the authors in their Read Me or Help files before using any of these programs.

Caution

You use shareware and freeware at your own risk. Authors of any software package can make mistakes, and shareware and freeware authors are no different. Because the developers of shareware and freeware are usually individuals and not gigantic mega-corporations, they often can not beta test their packages as thoroughly as commercial software. Make certain that your system is supported by the requirements outlined in the Read Me file, and that you read the guidelines set forth by the author. This can often help you prevent data loss, or the instability of your system.

Getting support for shareware and freeware

Shareware and freeware are typically developed by a single individual, rather than a whole company full of programmers and support staff. These individuals can afford neither the time nor the money required to provide technical support by telephone. Most developers do, however, provide support by email.

Although the developers of shareware and free software may not be able to hold your hand, they tend to release new versions of their products frequently. Each new version may introduce minor improvements and fix a few bugs that users reported via email.

If you’re having trouble with shareware or free software, check the developer’s Web site for a new version. Look for a description of what has changed since the version of the software you’re using was released. You may find that the problem you’re experiencing has been fixed in a newer version of the software. You may also find a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and other information that was not included with the software. You’ll probably find an email address where you can submit a bug report describing a problem you’ve discovered that doesn’t appear to have been fixed in the latest version. If you do find a bug, the author will usually welcome your input, as it will better the program for everyone.