There’s a vast amount of very cheap and even free software available on the Internet. Writers may be mostly interested in print-related items, like fonts or graphics, but you can also find word processors, HTML editors, art programs, Web graphics, and more. This software is often as good as the better-known and more expensive applications, but it usually has fewer features. Considering that most people don’t use all the features they already have, this is not a problem. Here are some of the types of Internet software available.
Freeware - Just as the name implies, free, almost no strings attached. Often this software is a small tool that a programmer made to solve a particular problem and then decided to give away. This type is usually very limited, that is, it may only perform a single function or job. Freeware can also be a form of advertising for a company that sells software and the free stuff is simply to lure potential customers into their Web site. This type of free software is often a limited version of a full-featured product that the company sells. The usual restrictions for freeware are that you keep the creator’s name and ownership information in all copies and you are not permitted to repackage it and sell it yourself. Within those restrictions, you can use the software however you like. The disadvantage of Freeware is that you get no customer support if you have problems.
Shareware – The creators of shareware hope to be paid and include an address so you can send money and register, but you don’t have to. Whether you pay or not is up to your conscience. If you can live with the guilt of not paying for it, shareware is the same as freeware, including the same restrictions as above. Most shareware is very cheap, prices averaging around $20. Sometimes an incentive like tech support is offered for those who register.
Nagware - Shareware with an attitude. Irritating messages appear every time you run the program to remind you that you haven’t paid. The creator’s hope is that you’ll get tired of the constant nagging. Once you do pay, you’re sent a registration number that makes the nag messages go away.
Demoware – A complete or almost complete working copy of a professional program that only functions for 14 to 45 days, then shuts down. Almost all software companies have free demoware downloads on their Web sites that allow you to test the software in real-world situations to see whether it meets your needs. If you want to keep using the software, you have to buy it. Demoware is usually posted by companies instead of individuals, so it costs more than shareware. Once you pay you’ll receive a registration number that keeps the program running. If you buy the demoware, you might also receive CDs, manuals, tech support, and a discount on upgrades. There are Web sites out there that tell you how to disable the automatic shutdown feature of some demoware, but to do so is illegal.
Where can you find a good selection of freeware and shareware? There are dozens of Internet sites to choose from. Here are a couple that collect programs from many sources and post them for downloading. To find others, you can use phrases like "free software", "free fonts", or "free graphics" in a search engine.
ZD Net - http://www.zdnet.com/swlib/hotfiles/top50free.html
Tucows - http://tucows.texoma.net/window95.html
Caution: ZD Net and Tucows screen the software they post for viruses and general safety. Not all sites do. When you download freebies, be careful. Make sure you have a current, active virus checker. Free games are the most likely software to have viruses or other problems, but paranoia is healthy regardless of what software you try. On the other hand, I’ve downloaded and installed hundreds of freeware and shareware programs from the Internet over many years and never had a problem with any of them. Occasionally a program doesn't work exactly like I hoped it would, but it's a simple matter to uninstall it.
Sites like Tucows also provide written descriptions of the software explaining what it’s supposed to do. Now and then you may run across something that you don’t understand. That is, the software does something to your files or computer, but you’re not sure exactly what. If you don’t understand what it does, you probably shouldn’t be using it. Still, if the software sounds like something you might want, you can often email its creator directly and ask for more information. Remember that many freeware and shareware creators are working out of a spare bedroom and have no staff, so the quality of responses will vary.