Free Software on the Internet What is Shareware? What is freeware? Advice on downloading Freeware and Shareware A. Protection B. Download Advice Search techniques for freeware and shareware programs.
Purchasing software can be a time consuming and costly process. How will you know a software title is suitable for your class if you haven't used it? To overcome this, trial versions and free versions of software can be downloaded from the internet for evaluation.
Shareware is software that is distributed free on a trial basis with the understanding that the user may need or want to pay for it later. Some software developers offer a shareware version of their program with a built-in expiration date (e.g. after 30 days, the user can no longer get access to the program). Shareware essentially refers to software that is marketed on a try-before-you-buy basis, and normally shareware costs considerably less than conventional boxed software from well known manufacturers. More..
Freeware can be described as software which is distributed free by the author. Although it is available for free, the author retains the copyright, which means that it cannot be altered or sold. Such software is often developed by individuals such as students or home programmers, or small companies. Sometimes these programs are made available as freeware in certain circumstances, such as for home or educational use only, but not for commercial purposes.
Protecting your computer from a computer virus is vital if you plan to download information from the internet.
A computer virus spreads mainly via e-mail attachments, downloadable files from the Internet or floppy disks. Virus infection can be prevented by installing (and maintaining) anti-virus software, among other strategies. For more information on virus protection please read the NCTE advice sheet.
http://www.ncte.ie/ICTAdviceSupport/AdviceSheets/ComputerViruses/
For information on downloading programs from the internet click the relevant link below.
How do I download programs from the internet?
How long does it take to download software?
Some tips for more efficient downloading.
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