The Internet may be the best place to obtain software. After all, what store allows you to "take the product out for a spin" before you buy it? Where else can you obtain "free updates" for the software that you already purchased? How many computer stores are open 24 hours day, 365 day a year?
Freeware is software that you can download and use without ever paying a dime. This software is sometimes developed by kind hearted souls who create software for the simple joy of creating it. Other times it's created by large companies who want you to test the software and find any bugs before they sell it to the general public (beta versions).
Shareware is basically "try it before you buy it." You can download it and try it out. If you decide that you want to keep it you should pay the developer the "shareware fee." This fee is usually minimal. Sometimes all the developer asks in return for the software is an email from you proclaiming how much you've enjoyed using it.
Most commercial software goes through a series of improvements, or Updates. Version 4.0 is released and shortly afterwards updated to 4.1, then 4.2, and so forth. Most of these updates are free to download from the developers home page. It's a good idea to periodically check and see if your software has been updated.
In order to avoid problems with software.....
- Always download software from reputable websites such as thoses listed below.
- Use antivirus software such as that available from McAfee to avoid virus attacks
Favorite Web Sites
Download.com
CNET's Download.com offers access to the most popular picks in the shareware world.Shareware.com
CNET's guide to shareware on the Net.TUCOWS
Email, multimedia, HTML, and networking tools along with connectivity apps, anti-virus, games, and accessories.ZDNet Software Library
Games, utilities, development tools, and graphics, business, home, and education software.Ziff Davis Shareware Awards
High-tech publisher's shareware of the year -- available for download.
