When it comes to use of technology and the internet, programmers are always thinking about what the next epic thing will be. Technology and the internet is something that is vast, but do we ever stop and think about how everything work? During my third week of reading, I learned different types of software. In this bog I will discuss what is an “Open-Source Software” and what is “Freeware” and “Shareware”.
The internet is part of our daily life. Examples internet devices are things such as the Xbox, phones, computers, and iPads. All these devices use some type of open -source software or a close software. Another example is a web browser, it is a software that is used to search the web such as Chrome and Firefox. So, what exactly is still an open-source software? It is software that has a source code which is viewable and changeable by the public which makes it “open.” What is a source code? Source code is not viewable and changeable which is considered close (Midrack, 2017). The job of the source code is to gives the instruction how the software will work and how all the different features of the software will work (Midrack, 2017). Some of the open-source software have a general public license which gives permission to users to change or update as needed. Even though it is free, there might be some hidden costs. Who are the ones that work on this software? Programmers are always working on software. It can be one individual or multiple working as a group to try and figure out solutions to the fix the problems the internet might have. Programmers have developed different types of software and I imagine that there are still more in the works, since technology is always evolving.
Moving on what is Freeware. Freeware is a software that does not use a paid license. Freeware is a software that is free of charge and has no expiration date, but comes with some restrictions (Fisher,2018). This shouldn’t get confused with Free Software; free software is a copyright-free software with no limitations by allowing the user to make changes but will need a source code. (Fisher,2018).
Shareware is a software that is copyrighted and has a reasonable cost. Shareware gives you an opportunity to try things risk free and at no cost for a period of time. Shareware can be shared with others but will need a source code in order to use the other features. There are different types of shareware that do different type jobs depending on what you’re looking for. Some examples of shareware are Adware, Nagware and Donationware. Adware is an advertising-supported software and refers to any program that includes advertisement in order to generate revenue for the developer (Fisher,2018). Meaning it is a program that advertises on your computer and can be annoying. Nagware is a software that massages you to remind you that you need to register or buy some features. It comes in a form of a pop-up while opening your computer or while working on your computer, which can be frustrating at some points. Demoware is a type of software that stands for “demonstration software” (Fisher,2017). A couple examples of demoware are trialware and crippleware. Trialware gives the user a period of time where they have access to all things available, but after the trial the person will receive restrictions until they pay for it. Crippleware is a software that is free, but the primary functions are restricted until you pay for it. (Fisher,2017).
All of this information is new to me and I still need to read more about it to be familiar with it. This will help me explain it in my future career because, I didn’t realize that so much software's existed. When we use a computer, we don’t even realize what type of software we are using. Now that I know some different types of software, I will be able to identify the software. I will provide a video link to under refences for future use.
Reference
Fisher, T. (2018, January 16). What is Freeware? Lifewire.
https://www.lifewire.com/freeware-definition-4154271
Fisher, T. (2017, November 30). What is Shareware? Lifewire.
https://www.lifewire.com/shareware-definition-4154860
Midrack, R. (2017, August 23). What is Open Source Software? Lifewire. https://www.lifewire.com/what -is -open -source-software4147547
Video link open-source software https://youtu.be/2q91vTvc7YE
Video link freeware vs shareware https://youtu.be/unq-KyNU_kE
Photo Shutterstock https://image.shutterstock.com/image-photo/software-computer-technology-data-hardware-600w-415238983.jpg
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