Downloads

Downloads

Are free software downloads ACTUALLY free?

What comes with the download is usually baggage that you do not need. Companies aren't going to give away products they've spent weeks, months even years creating just for free.

In fact the activation code that you must input for most downloads to work may be used in the future to sell to 3rd for monetary gain. One thing is for sure, you will be put onto their email auto responder list. These lists are what create the big money for companies. Basically a couple emails a week will be sent to your email inbox mostly promoting offers they want you to sign up for. I say "sent" but it usually ends up being a bombardment with some even shoving several emails down your inbox per day. Some don't even off an unsubscribe service.

A lot of these free downloads are also very time-dependant and you will most likely be restriced to a trial of the software instead. That or you get the basic version and will be offered to pay for the premium version which usually has all the features you would really want.

Is a free download really worth it? Yes and No.

Yes because you have to be quite intuitive to find the top drawer free downloads and take advantage. No because no matter what free download you get, there is always an ulterior motive from the company.

Freeware: These are authorised by the author themselves for free distribution.

Shareware: These are the full programs that offer a timed trial or the basic version of the full product. These can be useful but you should know that the full product will only be able after payment.

Conclusion:

Only download software from a respected source. Be wary of the motive behind each free download and remember "you get what you pay for". Nine times out of ten there is a reason the software is free.