ITEC 65 - Lecture 7 - Freeware vs. Free Software vs. Shareware

Summary

Lecture 7 delves into the distinctions between freeware, free software, and shareware, emphasizing their definitions, characteristics, and user freedoms. Freeware, while free to use, is proprietary and lacks source code access, unlike free software which upholds the four freedoms of use, study, modification, and distribution. Shareware offers a trial period but requires a license post-trial, remaining proprietary. The lecture concludes with an assignment to write an essay on the advantages and disadvantages of these software types, highlighting the importance of considering user freedoms and cost implications.

Takeaways

• 🆓 Freeware is software distributed without a fee, available as fully functional for an unlimited period, but is proprietary and cannot be redistributed.
• 🔄 Freeware, like Skype or Adobe Acrobat Reader, is free to use but the developer can change future releases to a paid product.
• 💾 The main difference between freeware and free software is that free software has available source code, allowing users to modify and distribute it.
• 🏛 Free software emphasizes liberty and freedom, not just the price, and includes the Four Freedoms: to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve the software.
• 📜 Free software can be distributed for a fee under certain licenses, like copyleft, but must always be available for free use, modification, and distribution.
• 📦 Shareware is proprietary software that offers a trial period, typically 15 to 30 days, after which the user must purchase a license to continue using it.
• 🚫 After the trial period, shareware expires and users cannot access it without purchasing a license, unlike free software which can be used indefinitely.
• 🔒 Shareware is not considered free software because it restricts modification and redistribution, and requires a license after the trial period.
• 🔑 Open source software is different from shareware as it can be downloaded, modified, and used for free without a trial period or license purchase.
• 📝 The assignment requires students to write a two-page essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of freeware, free software, and shareware based on their own opinions.
• 📅 The deadline for the essay is June 14, and it should be formatted in A4 size, 1.5 line spacing, 10 font size, and justified margins.

Q & A

What is the primary characteristic of freeware?

Freeware is software that is distributed without demanding a fee for its usage. It is available either as fully functional software for an unlimited period, with no restrictions on features.

Can freeware be redistributed?

No, freeware typically cannot be redistributed because it is proprietary software. Developers may change future releases from freeware to a paid product if they wish.

What is the key difference between freeware and free software in terms of source code?

The key difference is that free software provides access to the source code, allowing users to modify and distribute the software, while freeware does not provide source code access.

What does free software emphasize in terms of user freedom?

Free software emphasizes the four freedoms: the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve the software without limitations.

Can free software be distributed for a fee?

Yes, free software can be distributed for a fee, but it must also be available for free under certain licenses, allowing users to enjoy the four freedoms.

What is shareware and how does it differ from freeware and free software?

Shareware is a proprietary software that offers a trial period, usually 15 to 30 days, during which the full version is available for evaluation. After the trial period, a license must be purchased to continue using the software, unlike free software which can be used indefinitely without cost.

Is shareware considered free software?

No, shareware is not considered free software because it requires a license purchase after the trial period, and users do not have the freedoms to modify and redistribute the software as they would with free software.

How does open-source software differ from shareware?

Open-source software can be downloaded and modified for free, with the source code available for anyone to use and distribute. Shareware, on the other hand, requires a license purchase after a trial period and does not provide source code access or modification rights.

What are some examples of freeware mentioned in the script?

Examples of freeware mentioned in the script include Skype and Adobe Acrobat Reader, which are fully functional but do not allow redistribution.

What are some examples of free software mentioned in the script?

Examples of free software mentioned in the script include Linux and GNU Emacs, which provide users with the four freedoms, including the freedom to modify and redistribute the software.

What is the homework assignment for the lecture?

The homework assignment is to create a two-page essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of freeware, free software, and shareware, based on personal opinion rather than external research.