freeware

created by abentley

(thing) by abentley (7.6 y) (print) ? (I like it!) Sat Nov 13 1999 at 9:05:51

A computer program that you don't have to buy. Freeware is generally closed source, unlike Free Software, which is open source. Freeware is essentially guilt-free shareware.
No true open source freak will touch it, and no company will touch it because of the standard freeware disclaimer.

(idea) by Magenta (7.3 y) (print) ? (I like it!) Tue Nov 30 1999 at 5:18:04

Often freeware (also known as free(beer) software) such as PINE and POVray is open source in that it comes with the source code, but you still can't do relatively anything with it, freedom-wise. A fine distinction must be made between open source and free software.

(idea) by Jargon (1.8 y) (print) ? (I like it!) Thu Jul 19 2001 at 9:05:14

free software = F = freeze

freeware n.

[common] Free software, often written by enthusiasts and distributed by users' groups, or via electronic mail, local bulletin boards, Usenet, or other electronic media. At one time, `freeware' was a trademark of Andrew Fluegelman, the author of the well-known MS-DOS comm program PC-TALK III. It wasn't enforced after his mysterious disappearance and presumed death in 1984. See shareware, FRS.

--The Jargon File version 4.3.1, ed. ESR, autonoded by rescdsk.

(idea) by Mark Forest (2.4 wk) (print) ? (I like it!) Tue Apr 09 2002 at 6:21:17

Previously, freeware was software gratis, as described in The Jargon File's w/u in this node. The term "Freeware" has been much abused of late. It can mean just about anything.

Certain software companies offer "freeware" versions of their software. The software may be lacking features of the non-gratis version, and may be more aptly described as crippleware, or shareware.

The software may be fully functional, but contains bundled spyware. Although the software is gratis, you end up sharing your private marketing info. Is this software gratis? Kazaa's bundling of Gator comes to mind.

Some "freeware" shows you advertisements in the form of banners. This should be called bannerware or adware.

printable version
chaos

freeze	DHCP	free software	If a given feature can't be found in a Freeware application, you don't need it
shareware	crippleware	foistware	Progress Quest
ZAngband FAQ	Gator	ZoneAlarm	Cockmaster
nagware	The Forever New Testament 1.0	MASM	zMUD
Pixelships	Every Extend	Armagetron	QCD Player
Soldat	PHPix	Crimsonland	Aminet

Y'know, if you log in, you can write something here, or contact authors directly on the site. Create a New User if you don't already have an account.

Login
Password

remember me
password reminder
register

Everything2 Help

Drink up!
event cone
Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson, 14th Baron Berners
If we could build things out of concepts, I'd have pants made of lust
Josie and the Pussycats
Things you can tell just by looking at her
Orca
Magnolia
Noding for Numbers
Red Hat To Buy Microsoft
Dubliners
Things not to say in Thai
Voyager Golden Record
deliciously oily

locke baron
lynx	(thing)
Simulacron3
Reality, Dimensions and the Natural Ontology	(essay)
SubSane
Making Love to a 9-Foot Woman	(person)
Ouzo
Thoughts	(idea)
antigravpussy
I fall silent, listening. The breadcrumbs are talking about us	(person)
calgon
Buffalo Bill by the pool	(poetry)
gate
Anarchy is Order	(idea)
ushdfgakjasgh
Scribeling	(thing)
XWiz
Trism	(review)
artman2003
Briefcase Full of Souls - Part I	(fiction)
Dreamvirus
Alan Ladd	(person)
waverider37
Harold Holt	(person)
The Debutante
Until death do us part	(fiction)
Ysardo
a brother to a sister	(personal)
antigravpussy
your warm whispers	(personal)

Everything 2 is brought to you by the letter C and The Everything Development Company