Freeware

What Does Freeware Mean?

Freeware is any copyrighted software, application or program that may be freely downloaded, installed, used and shared. Such programs are available for use at no cost to general end users. Freeware differs from free software, as the latter allows a user to modify source code for republishing or integration with other software.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Freeware

As small software utilities, freeware is free to use throughout its lifetime because it does not expire after a certain period. Freeware may be used for a desktop, mobile or Web-based utility.

Generally, freeware is a concise and limited version of a larger and paid software program. Vendors publish freeware to provide a limited but free version of software to prospective buyers prior to purchase. Additionally, large independent software vendors (ISV) publish freeware to enhance brand buzz and market reputation.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Privacy and Compliance Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…