Do you use web browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge? How about Skype or Adobe Acrobat Reader? If you do, then you are using freeware.
What is freeware?
Freeware is any copyrighted software that you can use for free with certain limitations. This means that you can download, install, use, and share it, usually through the Internet, without any payment or licensing fee. A freeware is fully functional and can be used for an unlimited time as it does not come with an expiration date.
The only catch is that the developer or author retains the copyright of the software. As such, it cannot be modified or improved without the author’s permission. The source code, which contains the program’s instructions, is never published for anyone to alter.
Therefore, freeware is a type of proprietary or closed source software. This type of proprietary software is unlike open-source software, whose source code is accessible and modifiable by anyone.
The author of freeware also sets the terms and conditions for the use of their program. For example, several freeware licenses only allow for personal or non-commercial use of their product. Most freeware programs commonly have the following clauses in their license agreements:
- The author or its provider retains the software’s copyright.
- Users can install and use it for any legal purpose.
- Users can install and use it within a specified number of computers.
- Users may copy and distribute the software provided the copyright remains intact.
- Users are not allowed to sell the software for a profit.
- The author and its provider assume no liability for any damage caused by using the software.
Why are software programs offered as freeware?
Since freeware programs are offered at no cost, they are not exactly moneymakers. But many software programs are offered as freeware because they serve several purposes. The most common reasons are the following:
- It is a way for non-profit organizations or educational institutions to offer a software program to the public.
- It can be used to promote a brand or increase traffic on a company’s website.
- It may generate money through advertisements or in-app purchases within the program.
- It may generate money by providing other programs during the installation process.
- It provides a basic program version that may lead satisfied users to upgrade and pay for advanced features or a sophisticated version.
The last one is how most developers market freeware. They call this model “freemium” as they offer the program for free but will encourage buyers to buy a premium version.
How did freeware start?
The beginning of freeware is commonly traced to an American lawyer, publisher, and programmer, Andrew Fluegelman, who coined the term in 1982. Fluegelman developed a communication software program called PC-Talk which he would like others to use.
He established “Freeware,” a software distribution service he described as “an experiment in economics more than altruism to market PC-Talk.” Using this method, Fluegelman offered to return a free copy of PC-Talk to anyone who sends him a formatted disk. Those who found the software useful are encouraged, but not obliged, to send a $25 donation.
In addition, users who liked the software were encouraged to create copies for their friends. To make this happen, Fluegelman included a batch file that allows any PC-Talk disk to copy itself automatically.
The marketing became very successful, and PC-Talk became a popular software. Later versions of PC-Talk were sold for $35 instead of being free.
Although this distribution service is named Freeware, this marketing method is now more appropriately known as the “shareware” business model.
What are the examples of freeware?
Although the concept of freeware is unfamiliar to many, most of us rely on freeware to do our daily computing tasks. Freeware exists in all software categories, from communication and gaming tools to security and productivity applications. The most well-known examples of freeware are the following:
- Web browser. Most web browsing software programs are freeware, and all you have to do is download it from the Internet. These browsers include the largest web browser, Google Chrome, the now-defunct Internet Explorer, and its replacement Microsoft Edge, Opera, Avant, and many more.
- Media players and media centers. Two of the freeware in this category are Groove Music and Winamp.
- Communication and messenger. The biggest instant messaging platforms globally—WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat — are all freeware. The once-popular and now-defunct Yahoo! Messenger is also a good example of this communication freeware. It was an ad-supported messaging platform that allowed people to chat and call friends instantly and for free. Other examples of freeware communication platforms include Skype and Telegram.
- Maintenance utilities. Several basic system maintenance utilities are freeware. The most popular are CCleaner and WinUtilities, which delete unnecessary files and clean the registry to free up hard drive space. Other utility freeware programs include Onyx for Macs and ZoneAlarm Free Firewall, which provides a more secure firewall than those included in Windows.
- Antivirus and security. The most well-known example of this is AVG Anti-Virus which is free to download, install, update and use. However, technical support for a premium plan must be purchased. Other examples include Avast, Microsoft Security Essentials, and Avira Free Antivirus.
- Gaming. The list of freeware games is endless. Freeware games allow users to play for an unlimited amount of time at no cost. Popular examples are Dwarf Forest, Cave Story, and Spelunky. Freeware games are different from free-to-play games, which will require players to purchase for playtime, game items, new content, or features. Some games were originally released as commercial games but were re-released as freeware after several years; many were released to create hype for an upcoming sequel.
Where can you find freeware programs?
Locating freeware alternatives to commercial software is easy. Several websites collate and list down freeware programs in all software categories, including antivirus, firewalls, browsers, video conferencing, and many more. The most popular and reliable is PCMag.com, which regularly publishes a list of the best freeware programs available in a particular category. Other websites that you can check out for freeware programs are FreeWareWeb and Freeware Files.