Terms such as Freeware, Free software, Open source, Shareware, Trialware, Adware, Nagware, etc are often used to define programs. Does one really know the difference between freeware and free software – although both are used loosely and interchangeably? I guess most computer users don’t! So, in this post, we will try to clarify subtle issues related to these terms, and explain the other “ware” terms.
Difference between Freeware, Free Software, Open Source, etc.
Freeware
Freeware is software distributed without requiring a fee for use. These programs are available either as fully functional software for an unlimited period.
Ownership of any freeware is retained by its developer. The developer can change future releases from freeware to a paid product if he wishes. Also, a freeware is typically distributed without its source code. This is done to prevent any sort of modification by its users. Plus, the license under which a free program is distributed may permit the software to be copied freely but not sold. In some cases, one may not be allowed to even distribute the software.
Crippleware
Some software are offered as freeware – but with very limited features – or with the major feature missing. These are referred to as Crippleware. The ones that provide fully functional version has all the functions enabled and is mostly available either as a commercial program or as shareware. In most cases, the free programs promote a commercial offering.
Donationware
Sometimes, freeware is distributed to users with a regular reminder or request to make a donation to the author or to some third-party such as a charity. In such cases, freeware is referred to as a Donationware.
Free Software
Many computer users aren’t fully aware of this somewhat new and unrelated concept. Well, free software is software that gives a user freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve the software. To be precise, free software is a matter of liberty, not the price!
It essentially means a user can freely use, modify, and distribute a program on the condition that any redistributed version of the software must be distributed under the original terms of free use, modification, and distribution (known as copyleft). And unlike freeware, free software may be distributed for a fee.
Please note that to modify a program, you need to access its source code, which free software offers, whereas freeware does not. Also, free software permits redistribution; however, to do so, a user must include the program’s binary or executable forms, as well as the source code, for both modified and unmodified versions.
It is particularly noteworthy to mention here that sometimes government export control regulations and trade sanctions too limit the freedom to distribute copies of programs internationally. In such cases, refuse and do not obey any export regulations as a condition of any of the essential freedoms since software developers do not have the power to override these restrictions. You can more details on the FSF.org website.
Open Source
The term ‘Open Source’ is very close to ‘free software’ but not identical to it. We say this because the source code of open-source software is readily available to users 2 but under copyright and one is freely allowed to redistribute the software.
The concept of open-source software relies on the fact that users can review the source code to eliminate potential bugs. This is something that we do not observe in commercially developed and packaged programs. Programmers on the internet read and modify source code to eliminate potential bugs. Thus, programmers help provide more useful, bug-free products for everyone to use. More details can be had at OpenSource.org.
Read: Microsoft loves Linux & Open Source now. Why?
Shareware
Shareware is demonstration software distributed for free for a specific evaluation period, say, 15-30 days (Trialware). After the evaluation period, the program expires, and users can no longer access it. Only if you are interested in using the program further, the shareware provider may require you to purchase a license for the software.
So, basically it is distributed on trial basis and with an understanding that sometime later a user may be interested in paying for it. Also, some shareware are offered as ‘Liteware’. In these programs i.e. ‘Liteware’ certain capabilities are disabled. One can access complete functions only after buying or upgrading to the complete version of the program. Thus, shareware software are used for marketing purposes.
Adware
Adware, better known as advertising software, is software that automatically renders advertisements. Most of these advertisements appear as annoying pop-ups. However, one can disable the ads by purchasing a registration key. It can even change your home page, default search, or install a toolbar. Like freeware, Adware is also available to computer users at no cost.
Bundleware
Bundleware gets its name from people ‘bundling’ different programs into one single installation program. The one installation for bundleware installs the main program that you want along with some other programs that you do not want.
Spyware
Spyware goes a few steps further and surreptitiously installs other software on your computer. The spyware may contain code that sends information about the user’s computer to the developer or another location whenever the user is connected to the Internet. This is done in order to display advertisements in the Web browser.
Nagware
This is a program that routinely issues a reminder to a user to purchase an application or a product before its trial period expires. The term derives its name from the idea that reminders, commonly referred to as ‘NAGS’ keep on appearing on a user’s computer screen until he activates the desired application or quits it forcefully. While you can use the program, it will continually nag you to buy the full version or upgrade. In short, if any program constantly nags you to upgrade to its paid version or donate, it is referred to as Nagware.
Malware
Typically referred to as ‘Malicious Software’, Malware is any program with malafide intentions and which exploits data of a computer without its user’s consent. Once on a computer’s hard drive, it can hijack your browser, track the websites you visit, and cause even worse damage.
In addition, it can hide deep within Windows and even reinstall itself after being completely removed, making it the most difficult program to remove or clean. Viruses, Trojans, etc may all be considered as malware.
Scareware
Malware that is designed to trick users into downloading and buying non-functional or dangerous software is referred to as Scareware or Rogue Software. How does it do this? Simple, it alarms scares a user by making him falsely believe that his computer is infected by potentially harmful viruses.
Once downloaded and installed, the program displays false virus alerts and instructs him to buy the ‘full version’ to remove the infections (fictional). Ultimately, a user buys the software and wastes his hard-earned money. In short, Malware that preys on a user’s fear is called Scareware.
Abandonware
When the development of a software is abandoned by the Author and for whom no support is available, it is referred to as Abandonware. Abandonware could also include software whose copyright is unclear or in dispute.
Adds Jsg in the comments section: No support, updates, etc offered. Purchases no longer have any bearing and, in many cases, registration codes are openly available on the Internet. The legality of using a registration code available on the Internet for abandonware is questionable but generally requires the author to become active to do anything about it.
Have I missed any “-ware” term? Do you have any comments to make on the definitions? Or maybe some definition needs to be refined. Please do share it in the comments section.
What is the difference between freeware and free software?
The main difference between freeware and free software is that you can download, modify, and redistribute free software without any limitation. However, you cannot do the same with freeware. Freeware can be downloaded to your computer and used as is without any modifications to the core. On the other hand, you can modify and distribute a modified version of free software without any problems.
Is shareware a free software?
No, Shareware is not free software. Free software can be used at no extra cost for as long as you want – even with modifications. On the other hand, shareware is software that can be used only for a specific period – let’s say 30 days. After that, users need to pay some money to purchase the full version of the software.
Is shareware an open-source software?
No, shareware is not open-source software. Open-source software can be downloaded and modified for free. On the other hand, users need to purchase a shareware license after the trial period expires. In simple terms, shareware is not open-source software.
