So, exactly what is mac freeware?
Freeware is a title that is used freely across the internet and quite regularly by mistake. Maybe it is the 'Free' part of the label that causes confusion as when someone gives you something for free it is typically yours to use, modify or pass on as you see fit. with 'Freeware' this is not the case.
With Freeware the author still retains the rights to the software and the software is still licensed but they allow you the license for an unlimited time with no cost. The software license usually restricts the usage in some way so that, for example, the core files are not allowed to be modified, or you are not allowed to re-distribute the software or take any payment for making the software available for download.
Why the need for a license?
Yes you can use this software for free for as long as you like but often the developer would like to draw your awareness to their products or better software that you need to pay for. It may be that there is a "pro " copy of the software that has much more functionality but that you need to pay for. Alternatively the download link for the Freeware version may be sat along side much better software that they hope to tempt you with.
Does this mean that Freeware is a bit of a con? No. It's fantastic!
OK. so they might have an agenda behind creating and distributing the software but you still get to use it for free for as long as you like so long as you adhere to the license agreement. And if you do like the 'Lite' version of the software why not go ahead and buy the full pro version.
What kind of software is "Free Software"?
Absolutely free software is know as "Free Software" but this again is a term that has become misused so I would double check by reading any licences or small print before using it as a base to develop your own software.
Just to keep you straight, here are a couple of other terms that are used that may lead you to think that the software is "Free"
Shareware - This type of software is often very similar to Freeware except that it doesn't have the all important "License with no cost". Normally, this software gives you a licence to use the software for a fixed period (typically 30 days) after which time you need to make a payment to the developer to continue using it.
Open source - This type of software basically allows you to modify it, use it and distribute it as you see fit, the source code is open. What you can not do is sell this software or any software that you develop from it. You must also always credit the original author of the software and leave any credit tags embedded within it.
Freeware is a title that is used freely across the internet and quite regularly by mistake. Maybe it is the 'Free' part of the label that causes confusion as when someone gives you something for free it is typically yours to use, modify or pass on as you see fit. with 'Freeware' this is not the case.
With Freeware the author still retains the rights to the software and the software is still licensed but they allow you the license for an unlimited time with no cost. The software license usually restricts the usage in some way so that, for example, the core files are not allowed to be modified, or you are not allowed to re-distribute the software or take any payment for making the software available for download.
Why the need for a license?
Yes you can use this software for free for as long as you like but often the developer would like to draw your awareness to their products or better software that you need to pay for. It may be that there is a "pro " copy of the software that has much more functionality but that you need to pay for. Alternatively the download link for the Freeware version may be sat along side much better software that they hope to tempt you with.
Does this mean that Freeware is a bit of a con? No. It's fantastic!
OK. so they might have an agenda behind creating and distributing the software but you still get to use it for free for as long as you like so long as you adhere to the license agreement. And if you do like the 'Lite' version of the software why not go ahead and buy the full pro version.
What kind of software is "Free Software"?
Absolutely free software is know as "Free Software" but this again is a term that has become misused so I would double check by reading any licences or small print before using it as a base to develop your own software.
Just to keep you straight, here are a couple of other terms that are used that may lead you to think that the software is "Free"
Shareware - This type of software is often very similar to Freeware except that it doesn't have the all important "License with no cost". Normally, this software gives you a licence to use the software for a fixed period (typically 30 days) after which time you need to make a payment to the developer to continue using it.
Open source - This type of software basically allows you to modify it, use it and distribute it as you see fit, the source code is open. What you can not do is sell this software or any software that you develop from it. You must also always credit the original author of the software and leave any credit tags embedded within it.
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Apple Mac Freeware is the best resource of Free Mac Software on the internet. You won't find any Shareware or paid software listed on our website just 100% Free Software for Mac.
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