Whats the difference between these two programs?
2006-12-05 12:05:38 · 17 answers · asked by piscess86 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
It depends where you get them from and what are you getting. The difference is that freeware is a software you get for free with no limited use. Shareware lets you use the software kinda like a trial but probably a little longer or maybe full but with a lot less of the capabilities
2006-12-05 12:32:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freeware and shareware are usually safe virus wise to download. But there are other things to consider. Freeware and shareware 9 times out of 10 come with another ware. Spyware. So it will hassle your computer by slowing you down and spying on you.
Freeware in my best understanding is just that, someone made the program and wants it freely distributed. Freeware is "distributed without charge".
Shareware is released as a free program on a "trial" basis.
2006-12-05 20:07:28 · answer #2 · answered by ☺ PeeJ ☺ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know what the program is and you download it from the company site or a trusted one like download.com, both freeware and shareware are safe. The difference between them is that freeware are programs that are free to download, but you can also register them for a small cost to get the full product most of the time. Also you're not allowed to alter or redistribute freeware. Shareware are programs that are tottally free, and can be altered and redistributed as you want to.
2006-12-05 20:11:25 · answer #3 · answered by dewman_dave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
freeware is free. shareware is loaned to you for a period of time. when the time limit is up the program stops working until you buy a key from the owner.
downloading isn't unsafe. what's unsafe is opening the files before you scan them for viruses, trojans, worms, spyware or adware.
there are some sites that scan them before they make them public. but it's still a good ideas to scan them again in case something slipped thru
2006-12-05 20:14:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I t really depends where you get your freeware/shareware. Sites like Downloads.com, and cnet.com you can be pretty confident that the software is safe. By getting it from a shareware program like Bearshare, Kazza and the higher the possibility that it could not be safe.
2006-12-05 20:09:02 · answer #5 · answered by gsxrken2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
shareware lets you try before you buy (and usually has disabled features), freeware is totally free
some are safe, some aren't, use an antivirus (you can make a free online scan at pandasoftware.com/activescan)
2006-12-05 20:08:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
freeware is free...shareware usually asks you to pay after you've tried out the program...you can download the programs then run virus check on them before you install them
2006-12-05 20:07:40 · answer #7 · answered by Jordan L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freeware is free to download. No restrictions.
Shareware is free but they want you to donate to help pay for the development of the software. It's a good idea to give something.
Both are usually safe as long as you have up to date anti virus software on your computer
2006-12-05 20:07:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, but make sure your aware all WILL be package in spyware. But it is safe though if you set the sharefolder other than my documents which it does aotamic. Basicly the 2 programs are the same.
Best share program is Limewire recommended
2006-12-05 20:09:28 · answer #9 · answered by Justinfire 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is if from a legit site, like tucows..
Freeware is, well, free
Shareware usually has a free demo version, and can be downloaded and purchases very cheaply.
2006-12-05 20:07:53 · answer #10 · answered by Shaken Not Stirred 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋