What’s The Difference?

It has often been said that you get what you pay for. When it comes to software for your computer this saying doesn't actually apply. There are many sources of great, free, software that is as powerful, as feature-rich, and as reliable, as software you pay for. Often these free packages are backed by teams of skilled designers and programmers who are at least as, if not more, competent and committed to their project as any software team at a commercial software house.

Freeware - The term freeware was coined by Andrew Fluegelman, in 1982, when he wanted to distribute his communications program named PC-Talk. Today freeware refers to computer software that is available for use at no cost, often available in a binary-only, proprietary form, thus allowing authors to contribute something for the benefit of the community, while at the same time allowing them to retain control of the source code and preserve its business potential. Freeware differs from shareware in that, with the latter, the user is obliged to pay a fee for continued use, usually after some trial period, or for additional functionality.

Shareware - Shareware is a marketing method for computer software in which the software can be obtained by a user, often by downloading from the Internet, free of charge to try out the program before paying for it. If the program is useful it is paid for or "registered", usually for a fee but sometimes in other ways like sending a post card or email. Shareware is often known as "try before you buy" software. Some shareware is fully functional in the original download version, and does not expire, relying on the honesty of the user to pay for it if found useful. Some shareware, also called "guiltware" has a "nag screen" that appears from time to time reminding the user they should pay for the program. "Expireware" is shareware that stops working after a certain time unless you register (pay for) it and obtain a special, usually numeric, key to keep the software functioning. Some shareware allows only limited features to work during the trial period. You must register it to release its full functionality.

Open Source - Software provided under the open source development model usually offers a ready working program (or programs) and always included the programming source code. Most open source software is released under the GNU General Public License. Many open source projects have resulted in free programs that compete head on directly with commercial equivalents.

Commercial - Commercial software is any program, or suite of programs, that is sold via the standard retail model. Commercial software cannot, by law, be copied and re-distributed.

GNU General Public License - The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely used free software license, originally written by Richard Stallman for the GNU project. The GPL allows for the open distribution of software, and source code, without the loss of copyright to the original material. Under variations of the GPL derivitive works, re-distribution and even re-selling is allowed. The GPL is a permissive license which allows freedom of use, development, and distribution, while preserving the ownership of the original work.