Freeware is software applications that may be downloaded by a user and run on their computer without any charge. The user may generally even be confirmed to give away such freeware, (this will allow the spread of the application. There are some very high quality freeware application available and such freeware should not be ruled out just because it is free. Levels of support may be limited for freeware. Freeware is generally totally usable and has no limits.
Even some simple freeware can be an effective way to advertise other items. (Freeware may be used to encourage Up Sales).
Try Before Buy software : Shareware
Trialware has a built-in expiration date and may be tried by a user for a particular length of time before the user has to purchase the software. Sometimes Trialware may be known as Shareware gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it after a reasonable evaluation period, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an qualified program with printed manual.
Demoware. The name Demoware is used to differentiate between types of shareware software. Other types of shareware include nagware, freeware, AdWare, and even SpyWare. Demoware is software that is limited in some way, (for example not allowing the user to save any developed files using the software). The demo version may be tried by a user before the user has to purchase the through-and-through completely functioning version of the software.
AdWare us software usually released for free that displays advertisements while you use the software.
These advertisements usually are not to intrusive, although they sometimes can be annoying.
Nagware is software that displays a message every so often, (nagging at you), requesting that you register and pay the full price for the software.
Betaware is software that has not been completely tested. Betaware software usually has had a good level of testing , (alpha testing), by the developer. The developer is releasing the betaware for further, (real life), testing by actual users. This is done so that the betaware may be tested on a lot more different hardware configurations that the developer is unable to achieve.
Generally betaware is usable, although it could cause some problems with some computers. Therefore do not use betaware unless you are willing to accept that it could cause you some software/hardware problems.
Even extremely well known company's, such as Microsoft, release betaware. This type of software should not be ignored just because it has not been completely tested.
You will usually receive the beta copy free.
Betaware is used if you want to be one of the first to use and try out that software.
Sometimes, (but not always), betaware users who proved good feedback to the developer may be rewarded, by for example receiving the complete version of the software once it has been tested. Or by get anything from the rights to continue using the software.
Open Source
Generally a computer program may be split in to two part
a) The source code.
b) The object code.
The source code will be generally written in a high level computer programming language. This programming code is converted into a the object code which is used by the users.
When a program is supplied as Open Source it will usually be supplied with both the source code and the object code.
The user may use a programming language to modified the source code and produce a modified object code.
Sometimes a Low level languages will be provided.
To modify the source code you will need a good knowledge of the computer language that the source code is written in as well as access to an editor that is able to edit the programming code and produce the object code.Most freeware is safe to use and apart from any betaware it has been thoroughly tested therefore it should function as expected with out any issues. Indeed some freeware causes less issues, (crashing, hanging etc), than some software that users have paid hard cash for.
It is recommended that you carry out a Virus Scan of all software products, (not just freeware), you use.
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