2007-01-18 22:19:59 · 7 answers · asked by hari d 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
So many things to say.. i ll tell u this.. u just go to GNU site and read some article... first thing u hv taken wrong definition of free software. better dude/dudy u sholud go to GNU site. there are lot of thing u can learn. if u rly want!!
2007-01-18 22:31:29 · answer #1 · answered by Gohan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free software is usually "open source". This means it is free to use, copy and distribute as you see fit. Is is also free for you to modify. The GNU license usually states that if you do modify it though you publish what changes you have made with the software.
How do you make money like this! well you don't.
people do this for fun (fixing other peoples bugs) and to help others.
Linux is the main free open source OS which everyone knows about but you will find you can actually buy it!
How come someone is charging for this free software, well they arn't charging for the software but for the support of it.
Generally you have to download Open Source stuff but if you want the disc and a printed manual plus help in setting it up and adding functionality then you pay for it.
Open Source stuff is slightly different to just free stuff as you can modify open source but with just free software you can't.
Shareware again is different because you agree to pay for it if it is off use.
Free software may also come with advertising to the extent that the terms of use state you must allow it to connect to the internet to download and display new adverts.
2007-01-19 06:38:23 · answer #2 · answered by Tempest 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They aren't. If someone creates software and puts it out for free the creator of that open source software doesn't get paid but creates it to help out others.
2007-01-19 06:29:07 · answer #3 · answered by techwiz1313 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends...
Some get paid from advertising tied into the software.
Some ask for money if you like it.
Some get money from support.
Some get money by giving away a copy that is limited then selling you an unlimited copy.
Some get no money.
Linux was (is) written by people who mostly got (get) no money from it... they did it from personal interest or as part of a degree course or because they wanted it for themselves then decided that others might want it... or lots of other reasons.
Some people are generous. They give away the product of their work for nothing.
2007-01-19 06:32:36 · answer #4 · answered by bambamitsdead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In business there is nothing called 'free'. If a business is developing free software, they would normally charge other things like maintenance charges etc., Or they develop it to boast their companies image or to sell more products.
But there are hobbyists that do develop the softwares. Their possible intention could be to gain fame and name.
2007-01-19 06:28:44 · answer #5 · answered by jaggie_c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the help of Advertising on the internet.
2007-01-19 06:30:59 · answer #6 · answered by skhawaja123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually advertising.
2007-01-19 06:25:04 · answer #7 · answered by devonjohnstone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋