All About Freeware

Here is a quick list of the pros and cons which apply to most freeware computer programs…

PROS

1. There is a wider variety of freeware available, as it doesn’t have to appeal to a large enough audience to justify commercial production.

2. It is more likely to function in older operating systems and computers than new commercial software (with some exceptions).

3. As its name suggests, freeware doesn’t cost anything. Sometimes the program source code is even included for free.

CONS

1. Freeware is typically supplied via download over the internet, rather than being provided on a more convenient CDROM.

2. Free software publishers don’t have any obligation to provide technical support, although some of them do.

3. Certain precautions have to be taken to avoid viruses, but this isn’t much of a problem if reputable download sites are used.