Concept in Definition ABC

Freeware refers to free software, that is, to those programs that can be distributed without there being a transaction that involves money in any way. Free software has been around since the beginning of computing, but its development has been boosted by the heyday of Internet in the last decades. In this way, today it is possible to find a large number of applications of all kinds that can give solution to a host of everyday problems. The freeware must be distinguished, however, from the so-called software code open, although we will see that both concepts are deeply interrelated, open source software being a source for the development of free programs.

Freeware as an option

There are two clear trends with regard to the development of the software that we use on a daily basis. One of them, the best known of all, is the one that corresponds to programs that require the possession of a license for their use; This type of program is usually developed by companies of all kinds, some of which are very large.

On the other hand, there are a large number of projects that have as purpose give the public programs that are distributed free of charge. In the latter case, it can be used to promote a version of the software with greater possibilities, a kind of older brother; in other cases, it can be used so that the organization that develops the software in question can later sell services associated with it; finally, there is the selfless contribution of a huge number of people who develop their capacities by creating solutions to different problems that arise in the community.

Differentiating it from open source

From what has been said, we can deduce the difference that we find between the so-called open source software of the freeware. In the first case, what exists is a number of programs that circulate freely and of which it is also possible to find their code available to make improvements; in the second, the program is free, but its code remains hidden. However, it is important to note that the open source phenomenon has always empowered the software we call free, continually generating new possibilities in this regard.

The freeware It may be a experience more than satisfactory with regard to the solution of various problems that the field of computing presents us. Indeed, there are many variants of commercial software in this sense that have a great quality and they would save us the payment of a license.