Shareware and Freeware

Shareware: Sometimes called authorware, shareware is software that is provided to the end user with the understanding that if the user finds it useful, the user will send the author the requested fee. Often, this software is limited in some manner, time (usually 30 days), number of uses (trialware), or reduced functionality (crippleware).

Freeware: As the name implies, freeware is free of any obligation to the end user. Freeware is usually provided on an "as is" basis. Many companies and authors provide versions of their commercial software as freeware. The idea being that if the user likes the freeware, they'll often buy the commercial product for its added functionality.

Sites: Several sites, for different platforms, are listed on the Runway area called Hangar 4. Anyone who owns a PC and is looking for the latest Internet software, should go to Consummate Winsock Apps (CWA). This site has the latest versions and newest releases of every category of Internet related software. Other sites have games, productivity, hobby and other types of software.

Almost every commercial software producer and hardware manufacturer has a website. If you are in need of the latest updates, drivers, configuration information or you're looking for more information on how to use your product, the company website should not be overlooked. Microsoft, for example, has an extensive site with hundreds of file downloads available at no cost. If you don't have the URL for the website, it can usually be reached simply by entering http://www.companyname.com where the companyname is replaced by the name of the company that you are trying to find.

Introduction to the Internet

• Brief History of the Internet
  
• Explanation of Terms (definitions)
  
• Areas of the Internet
  
  • Controls
    
  • Settings
    
  • Search Engines
    
  • Shareware and Freeware
    
  • Downloading Files
    
  • Viruses