Freeware What is it, what is it for and which are the best?

If we don’t know about the subject, software is that intangible thing that makes the computer and its tools work. Neverthelessthere are different classifications of this Among them we can name depending on their function, developer, application support or type of license to use.

This last typology is where we will stop and develop this post. A license is a kind of contract between the user and the developer of said program. It defines and specifies copyright and intellectual property.

Within this classification there are different types, which we use on a daily basis without paying much attention to your license. To learn more about this topic, we invite you to read until the end of the text.

What is freeware and what is this software use license for?

Given its name in English, it is common to be confused with free softwareDue to the ambiguity of the termfree”. The main feature of this software is that its distribution is free and at the same time time is copyrighted with restrictions on its modification, sale and features. Unlike free software, in which users can modify its code.

Within the freeware we can find those that offer full versions of it and others, in which functions are restricted to the most basic of more advanced products. In both cases it is possible to redistribute them, as long as the author of said software is mentioned. In particular cases, use is only permitted for individuals. With prohibitions if it is a company or government area.

It is also important to clarify the differences with shareware. Since both offer a free use and distribution program. However, the freeware stays that way indefinitely. Instead, the other expires after a trial time. And to continue using it you must purchase the paid license software. Although it is possible that, in some cases, the developer requests voluntary donations that allow him to continue providing support to the program.

What are the main features of freeware?

We have mentioned the differences between some types of software. It is time to explain what are the elements that define them:

• freedom of use. these programs they cannot restrict the time of use nor do they have trial time. Once obtained you can use it indefinitely. In most cases, it is available for all operating systems.
• freedom of distribution. Use them on as many compatible devices as you want. Send it to a friend. Or give copies on the street. The only condition is that you mention the developer.
• anti-piracy. It would be ridiculous to buy a stolen item when it is being given away elsewhere. With this logic, freewares avoid piracy and are offered for free from their official pages. This also helps keep your computer free of viruses and malware that cracks leak.
• Source code not available. So far everything seemed very free. Nevertheless, These programs are copyrighted and the source code is only available to the developer.. This means that users cannot modify the characteristics of the product, not even to improve it.
• Forever. Once downloaded, free software will stay that way in perpetuity. Payments cannot be required to continue using it. Similarly, these programs are kept on the Internet, although not always on their official website.

Freeware vs Free Software vs Open Source What is the difference between each one?

At the beginning of the text we briefly mentioned that freeware and Free Software were different things. Let’s go deeper into this by adding to open source or open source software:

• freeware. It is considered a free variant of shareware, since the source code such as the copyright license cannot be modified. Attribution remains with the developer. Nevertheless, free distribution is an attribution shared by these three types of programs.
• Free software. The differences with the freeware have already been mentioned. With respect to those you own with open source software they lie in a philosophical question. While that of Free Software refers to a question of ethics, which maintains that users must have freedoms about the program. Open source refers more to practical terms, as we will see later.

To be considered free, a program must possess these freedoms:

• To run the program without restrictions whatever the user’s purpose.
• Of studying its operation and change it or customize it. For this it is essential to have access to the source code.
• Of redistribute the copieseven if they have been modified. Without any barrier that prevents it. The purpose of this redistribution must be to help other people (this is not controlled by anyone).
• At the same time should not have restrictions for its use and/or commercial distribution or for profit, unlike some Freewares. This means that you can market a free program that you have modified. Although it will no longer be part of this category.
• the manuals of the software as well must be included or available on another site for free.
• open source. Regarding this type of programs, we can say that their purpose not ethical, but practical development. This current maintains that allowing other users modify the code source has as result in improvement in the quality of the program.

For an open source software to be named in such a way, it must have the following possibilities:

• Free and free distribution. Like the previous categories.
• Access to source code available. Share this feature with free software.
• Redistribution of modifications. This must be allowed, although sometimes it is only allowed in the form of patches or updates.
• Commercial use. Use for profit should not be prohibited.
• It should not be exclusive to one product. The program license cannot be solely part of a larger distribution.

List of the most useful and popular freeware that you should have on your computer

To finish, we will show you only some of the most used free programs of the moment. It is likely even that you already own some of them and have not noticed their freeware status:

Avast Antivirus

It is the most downloaded antivirus in the world. It is available for different operating systems and platforms. Although it offers a paid alternative, the free program meets all the requirements to be considered freeware.

quick time

Powered by Apple, is a very versatile multimedia content player and used by all video editors. By many it is considered as a type of software freemium, although it is included within the free programs.

Discord

Thought from the beginning as a platform to facilitate communication between gamers. It can be used for free and from the browser. It uses a minimum of resources, which does not interfere with games.

Google Chrome

One of the most used browsers today. It is available for free and by default on Android mobile devices.. Unlike Mozilla, It does not have an open source.

Adobe Flash Player

Created by the Macromedia company, the software was later acquired by Adobe. Currently can be purchased free of charge as a plug-in for all major web browsers.