It used to be true that something that was free was worth what you paid for it. That's no longer the case when you understand the many examples of free software that are available today. Many of these software projects are the result of someone's determination to find a better way of doing a specific project. Another reason for the development of shareware is just for entertainment. Many developers enjoy the chance to create a software tool that is something no one else has managed to do,



Where can you find it?

A search engine query on the term 'free software' is likely to return thousands or even millions of responses. The internet is a great place to look for solutions to your software needs. Whether you are looking for a particular solution or whether you have found a solution to something that's been bugging you and want to share with others, freeware is often the best answer. In addition to finding free software on the internet, many communities have formal clubs or loose associations of individuals who just enjoy getting together and working on programming activities. In the larger sense, people meet online to discuss software.

Who creates free software?

Individuals create free software because they love the challenge of solving a problem. Companies make software available at no cost for several reasons. They may be attempting to corner a segment of the market so they make one type of freeware available to encourage users to purchase another or an upgraded version of the freeware. The deluxe version, of course, comes at a cost. Another reason for the creation of free software is that its usage is so widespread and so often copied that attempting to limit or place a price of the software would be a waste of time and effort on the part of the company. Joint projects by groups who are developing open software are another example of who creates the software.

Why is it free?

Free software can be distributed at no cost for many reasons, as noted above. Sometimes, unfortunately, it is free because that is all it is worth. Users and reviewers get a lot of enjoyment out of testing freeware and finding something new and different before the rest of the world. Of course, software is often free because it is in a testing mode. When something is available at no cost, you are more likely to find people trying it out, just to see if it works, or to be the first to get a working copy of a projected new software release.

Get the bugs out

Some users of software available at no cost enjoy finding and pointing out problems with the software. This can be in helpful mode or can be an 'aha, gotcha' game. Those who regularly scout the forums where users gather to discuss new software launches can get a sense of the direction where software development is likely to go, just by paying attention to the latest developments and discussions.