The following questions are the ones I'm most frequently asked regarding
Downloadable WEB Accessible Program and Utility Software Installation Files:

PLEASE - CAREFULLY NOTE THE FOLLOWING!!!

Especially:
If you are NEW to DOWNLOADING FREEWARE from ANY site:

Problems come up from time to time with some freeware developers who are 'movin on up' to shareware and trialware products. Also these types of difficulties can occur (especially) with the 'mall' types of sites which provide links to numerous freeware programs - but they do not actually create or develop the programs.

The following particular situation <sigh> happens all to frequently:

Particularly with such 'large selection' sites which list both freeware/shareware…

A "Mall" type freeware page provides links - not to their own servers - but link directly to the developer's servers that actually 'download' the installation files. When the site originally lists the program they (correctly) add the word FREEWARE to the product description.

Then - when the freeware developer of the product goes 'shareware' - the "Mall" site does not change the description to denote that the freeware status has changed. So the old link listed as 'freeware' misleads the user to what has now currently become 'shareware' or 'trialware.'

You are wise to go directly to the developers site first, as the developer is most likely to have the latest and most current 'version' (if it is still freeware) available to users - and you are far more likely to find out if it has 'evolved' into a 'pay to use' product.

However, I have found that many 'large selection' sites use their OWN servers to provide the actual original 'freeware' version's downloadable installation files which originally were provided by the actual developers. This way - even if the program developer has gone 'shareware' - the older FREE versions may still be available.

Another ‘not widely known fact’ about freeware developers (shareware as well) is that frequently [but not always] – so called “UPDATES!” are completely bogus and really offer only minor cosmetic or relatively insignificant changes to the product presented. Unfortunately more often than not - the primary reason many software products go from v1.00 to v1.01 (just for example) is so that they can ‘move up’ on the freeware/shareware site as “Newest,” or “Latest” listings. If a program works fine for me - and the 'update' is not security-related, I generally wait for truly innovative 'overhauls' before updating.

Anyway, I hope that you are able to find what you are looking for. J

Learn as much as you can before buying shareware...
Prior to download ALWAYS do a WEB Search

BEFORE BUYING ANYTHING!

I have seen this problem mentioned numerous times before in various forums that I attend: Products which are bought by users; software or otherwise, who immediately purchased something computer related based on a single positive review.
 

These forum, like  on the web are a very useful resource – but I wouldn’t bet a borrowed nickel on anything 'reviewed' or 'rated' by any single particular magazine review – or by any individual source of online review, for that matter. Whenever I’m considering a new product or service, online or retail - I always do a web search using carefully arranged words like the following example: 

(1) Go to say, Google, AltaVista or AlltheWeb.com (all three - even better!)
(2) Type in these exact words: Spy Sweeper problem
(3) Type in these exact words: Spy Sweeper review
(4) Compare results then Copy & Paste to a WORD or Notebook file.

To rush to actually purchase anything on the web or anywhere else – without using the web search - is as reliable as making a service or product choice by simply flipping a coin or opening a phone book with your eyes closed and pointing at a company.

The more information that you have from a variety of sources the better the chance of getting the desirable outcome will be.  It may take a few steps and a little more time but all programs will undoubtedly have some limitations that the single 'reviewer' might not be aware of...

Therefore 'the more reviews the better!' Your chances of success in the future will multiply if you follow steps (1) - (4) above prior to purchasing anything online or otherwise.
 

SOME programs and utilities downloads - MAY NOT BE compatible with your Operating System!

Here are a few "Useful Things to Think About" prior to, during and after you download freeware programs:

Tips for Downloading Program/Utility Installation Files

(available for downloading on the Internet).

 

Programs are always stored in compressed format so it can be downloaded fast.

 

Some are executable files (".exe" file extension) that will automatically decompress and explode into several files (and sometimes start the installation process automatically).

 

Others are zipped (".zip" file extension) and you'll need a program that will unzip the file before you can install it. If you don't have one yet, I would recommend that you first download a program like WinZip.

 

Create a special file folder for all your downloaded programs.

 

If you have an abundance of disk space, you should always keep a copy of the original downloaded file (just in case you may need to reinstall it). You may also want to create separate subdirectory for each program that you downloaded because the file name sometimes don't tell much about what the program is. This is a smart move, because it gets even more confusing when the program unzips into several file names within the same subdirectory as the other programs.

 

‘Readme’ files are called this for a reason – Be sure to look them over!

 

Always read the "readme" file which is usually attached to the program that you downloaded. These files contain detailed installation instruction, requirements of the program, warnings about known problems/bugs of the program, and license agreement.

 

Readme files usually have ".txt" extension, and will therefore open with Windows Notepad when you double click it. Sometimes the file extension is ".1st" (or some other fancy extension that the author decided to use). Just double click the file, and when your computer asks you for the program that it should be associated with, choose Notepad.

 

Properly Removing Programs You Do Not Like

 

If you're not happy with the program and you want to remove it from your hard disk drive, use the uninstaller program that is usually included in the application that you installed (or follow the instruction contained in the readme.txt file included in the program), or use the Add/Remove Program in the Control Panel of Windows.

 

Never delete the ‘already installed’ files directly from your file manager (or the Program Files folder either); this will more then likely cause you a lot of trouble and headache.

 

Beware of Downloading Dangers  

You should be aware that there are intrinsic dangers in the use of any software available for downloading on the Internet. In most cases, the license agreements of such programs stipulate that the user alone is solely responsible for adequate protection or your computer system and data in connection with the programs that you download. It is important that you install an anti-virus program in your computer to protect you from computer virus that you may accidentally pick up while downloading files from the Internet. You should also regularly update the virus definition of your anti-virus program, to protect you from newer strains of computer virus being developed by malicious programmers.

Check Out This Link for More Tips on:

Increasing the chances of "Success" when downloading

Why you SHOULD consider installing an additional HARD DRIVE!
(that is if you decide to download a lot of program installations)

E-Mail:
COMPUABLE
@yahoo.com

“FREEWARE’s just anotha’ word for:  Nothing’ left to PAY! – lol”

What is 'FREEWARE'?

Do you want to See an on-line Dictionary definition ? click here.

The term “Freeware” is a generic term for "free" downloadable software and generally refers to software that the software copyright owner gives away for free. It is form of software distribution where the author retains copyright of the software, but makes the program available to others at no cost.

FREEWARE is Copyrighted software given away free by the author. Although it is free, the author retains the copyright, which means that you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by them. Usually, you are allowed to use and distribute the software, but not to sell it, and not to pass it off as your own. However, because such material is copyrighted, the author retains certain rights on usage.

FREEWARE is ordinarily one of these two:
1 - A pre-mature version of a 'yet-to-come' commercial version.
2 - A software product given out for no cost by the programmer. In both cases, the software will often be accompanied with an "agreement" and/or a "disclaimer" (normally a simple "read me" text File).

FREEWARE generally grants the following rights to the usufructuary:
1 - Unlimited use of product
2 - Full support of product and future enhancements.
3 - Flexible distribution to other interested parties via websites etc. with a minimal charge for distribution costs.

FREEWARE conditions do vary, but the essential qualities are basically these:

OWNERSHIP - The author maintains the ownership and copyright of the freeware program. You don't actually own the software, even after downloading it. The author instead grants you a license. This allows the author to maintain legal and intellectual control over his work.

DISTRIBUTION - Is solely left to the will of the author, although restrictions are flexible and restriction of distribution is often detrimental to the advancement and future development of the product - consumer feedback instigates bug fixes and improvements. Nowdays, there is sometimes a small charge against the cost of this distribution, but not always.

LICENSE - This is the author's written permission to allow you to use the software, limited by certain provisions. Usually a license is granted to use and distribute the software, in its unmodified form. This method of allowing the users to distribute to program creates a low cost platform for the program's wider distribution.
 

COST - The best part. Absolutely free. Unlike shareware, you are required to pay nothing for the use of  FREEWARE  , although contributions are always greatly appreciated, and as website hosting is never free a small charge is sometimes required to download the product.

Freeware is often distributed on bulletin boards, or through user groups. Freeware is software that is, as the name says, absolutely free. You can download it, install it and use it indefinitely. The authors are usually people who have programming experience, either through their day job or just as a hobby, and write programs they think might be useful. They usually do it for the fun (or because they are learning) and don't expect any compensation for it, a very noble attitude that cannot be appreciated enough. Because it is free, you should be realistic. Some freeware is a very amateurish attempt at programming and you end up with a buggy piece of code you wish you never installed, some other freeware is amazingly good and you can't believe that it is free. You'll find a huge collection of links to some of the best freeware right here on this site in the various FreewareRocks website pages.

The program may not be resold or distributed by others for profit. The developers or websites that promote the programs still own the copyright in the software and can establish the terms under which it can be used and distributed.

Freeware is computer software applications which are developed usually by individuals or small companies and distributed, usually via FTP (protocol that allows users to copy files between their local system and any system they can reach on the network), at essentially no cost to the recipient.

The FREE applications are fully functional and yours to use indefinitely without any obligation whatsoever. Initially these are programs that were developed because the developer thought they would be useful but are not substantial enough that we can justify charging a fee.

There is so much directly downloadable software available out there in cyberspace, with excellent reviews and an ideal companion for while you surf. If you didn't know, there are various sites for downloading free software which can be just as good, or in some cases, better than spending loads. Why pay hundreds of bucks to enhance and facilitate your system when there are quite a lot of FREE downloadable software out there!

Sometimes I have visited websites SHAREWARE developers make available to their customers superior FREEWARE programs on their sites as an incentive for customers to look over their "try before you buy" products.

Although freeware is available for free, the author retains the copyright, which means that you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by the author. Usually, the author allows people to use the software, but not sell it. Many freeware programs will include some information from the owner about how it can be used and any restrictions that may apply. You are legally bound to abide by any conditions the owner requires.

NOTE:

I'm always giving out links to (somewhat similar) alternative freeware programs and utilities (to shareware products - that is). 

However I make sure to include only the link to the products page and not the link to directly download the application.

I get a few "complaints" occasionally from users of my site that "You should include the download installation file links!" - to make it easier to obtain the programs. However I feel that if someone is interested enough to download a program - they should get the actual file from the developer of the program or the site that touts it.

By doing it this this way, if they foul things up (during installation or afterwards) they can go directly to the site where the program came from for assistance.

If you find any of the products or sites listed on the FreewareRocks.com Freeware Website Navigator website unsatisfactory for your particular needs - or if the software listed here fails or crashes your system - please contact the software developer or the site where you downloaded the freeware for instructions as to what to do to "fix" the problem.

You can certainly contact me regarding a product which fails but I do not have the knowledge, software code or expertise to fix another individual’s freeware product – should that product fail or cause problems and if enough people complain about it, the product’s site listing will be removed from this site.

Sometimes authors change their programs from freeware to shareware if they become popular, so it is possible that among the thousands of site links you might just run into this situation on this site. If you come across any shareware program (that isn't noted as 'not being freeware' in its description), let me know by click here (to e-mail me) and I'll remove it from the site or change the listing to denote it as having changed from freeware to shareware.

I really try very hard to keep up with theses types of changes (and they are incredibly rare, believe me) - but if you have thoroughly checked out my site, you can see that it is a nearly impossible task to check every single website as there are thousands listed!

While it is true that in various parts of all of my websites, I do indeed hope for and mention the possibility of donations of old belongings or blood donations etc. to non-profit organizations which I believe are quite trustworthy and genuine - no person viewing this site is under any obligation whatsoever to donate 2 ˘ if that is not their wish.

FreewareRocks.com does not solicit any financial compensation or personal remunerations (nor accepts any) from any any party mentioned here - or from the the numerous freeware and computer and Internet related tips and tweaks sites which are provided within the this website - nor ever asks for or seeks any "personal" remuneration or financial donations from anyone who might view the website.

Occasionally, another website developer viewing this site requests that they be allowed to place a "link" on their site to mine. I'm happy to comply with any such request. If I check out their site and the information provided within it is relevant and useful to my viewers - I'd be more than happy to "return the favor."

Important Cautious Note:

Many of the "tweak" sites that I list on FreewareRocks.com are generally recommended for experienced "power users" and should be used with great CAUTION particularly by NEW users - especially when such sites suggest complicated “Registry Editing” rituals. Proceed with caution; by all means DO NOT attempt ANY “tweaking” unless you know what you are doing!

If you have any freeware products or favorite websites which are not listed here, feel free to contact FreewareRocks.com@yahoo.com.

Definitions of Downloadable Software Your Rights & Responsibilities

You've probably heard of the terms "public domain", "freeware", "shareware", and others like them. Your favorite software site probably has many programs described by one or more of these words. There's sometimes a bit of confusion about and between these terms, but they actually have specific meanings and implications. Once read this section, and then you understand the differences between these terms -  you will have a much easier time navigating the web for the variety of programs available to you, and begin understanding what your obligations are, or aren't, with each type of program.

Let's begin with some basic definitions.

"Public domain" has an individualized and specific legal meaning. It simply means that the creator of a work (in this case, a program or utility which is of software) who had legal ownership of that work has given up ownership and dedicated the work "to the public domain".

Once something is in the public domain, anyone can use it in any way they choose, and the author no longer has any legal control over the use and cannot demand payment for it.

If you find a program which the author has explicitly put into the public domain you are free to use it however you see fit, without paying for the right to use it. But use care -- due to the confusion over the meaning of the words, programs are often described by others as being "public domain" when in fact they are shareware or free, copyrighted software. To be sure a program is public domain you should look for an explicit statement from the program’s author to that effect.

"Copyrighted" is the opposite of public domain. A copyrighted program is one where the author has asserted his or her legal right to control the program's use and distribution by placing the legally required copyright notices in the program and documentation. The law gives copyright owners broad rights to restrict how their work is distributed, and provides for penalties for those who violate these restrictions.

When you find a program which is copyrighted you must use it in accordance with the copyright owner's restrictions on distribution and payment. Usually these are clearly stated in the program documentation.

Maintaining a copyright does not necessarily imply charging a fee, so it is perfectly possible and legal to have copyrighted programs which are distributed free of charge. Such programs are sometimes termed "freeware", though this term was in fact trademarked by the late Andrew Flugelman and the legality of its use by others could be questioned. In any case, the fact that a program is free does not mean that it is in the public domain -- though this is a common confusion.

"Shareware" is copyrighted software which is distributed by authors through bulletin boards, on-line services, disk vendors, and copies passed among friends. It is commercial software which you are allowed to try out before you pay for it.

Shareware authors use a variety of licensing restrictions on their copyrighted works, but most authors who support their software require you to pay a "registration fee" -- the purchase price of the software -- if you continue to use the product after a trial period. Some authors indicate a specific trial period after which you must pay this fee; others leave the time period open and rely on you to judge when you have decided to use the program, and therefore should pay for it. Occasionally a shareware author requires registration but does not require payment -- this is so-called "$0 shareware".

The shareware system and the continued availability of quality shareware products depend on your willingness to register and pay for the shareware you use. The registration fees you pay allow authors to support and continue to develop their products.

As a software user you benefit from this system because you get to try the software and determine whether it meets your needs before you pay for it. Authors also benefit because we are able to get our products into your hands with little or no expense for advertising and promotion. As a result it is not unusual to find shareware products which rival retail software that costs several times the amount of the shareware registration fee.

What is the BIGGEST difference between SHAREWARE & FREEWARE?

COST, mostly - (and sometimes quality of the performance and additional features offered. Here is a brief list of the different downloadable software types:

===Freeware - no cost whatsoever
===Shareware is usually "free to download" but you must pay to keep them
===Demoware - Product Demonstration Versions (frequently referred to as "Demos") - Are sometimes full versions, but not-fully-functional versions

These DEMO products almost always expire after 7-10-15-30 days or so unless you pay for and register them.

These are really "Shareware" and are considered to be evaluation copies

Both Shareware and Demoware:

o Are usually (but not always) fully-functional versions
o Frequently on the honor system to pay for them after the evaluation period
o Sometimes have nag screens to remind you to pay.
o These programs generally expire after 7-10-15-30 days or so unless you pay for and register them.

With shareware (sometimes also called “Trial ware") you’re allowed to try the software, generally for a specified period of time. After that, you are expected to either pay the owner or discontinue using the software and to remove it from your computer system. Shareware is software that is available for free download and allows you to use it for a certain time period after which you are expected to either register it with the owner and pay a small amount to buy a license for unlimited use, or, if you decide you don't like it or don't need it, remove it from your PC.

Some shareware relies on the honor system and expects that you contact the owner voluntarily after the evaluation period is up; but most of them will disable themselves after the evaluation period is over. Others will disable itself after the evaluation period and can only be unlocked with a valid license or registration number you first have to purchase from the vendor.

What is Shareware?

• It is software that is offered on the Internet for preview purposes.
• At the end of the preview period, it must be purchased or uninstalled.
• Examples: Snag-It

 

What is Freeware?

• It is software that is offered on the Internet and made for the distinct purpose of allowing people to download it for free.

• Examples: Acrobat Reader, Shockwave, Quicktime

Many people erroneously (I believe) assume that FREEWARE may not always provide much help in terms of support if the software goes wrong.

My experience is just the opposite - in that I find freeware authors are eager to receive feedback as long as you are courteous when you e-mail them. Shareware producers and developers often immediately answer any questions that you e-mail then "prior" to purchasing the product, and then make themselves quite scarce once the "check clears!" (lol) I have found it simply amazing how proficient and reliable many freeware programs actually are!

(Especially considering the price!)...

Most freeware developers (at least the ones that I have contacted) are very conscientious about their products and offer support. Some do not offer much support at all....The web is LARGE, but the "word gets around" about crapware developers, (thank GAWD!)

Most developers will freely admit that are "Norton Wannabees;" i.e., they would like to be 'discovered' and the majority of their programs "Sold American!" - lol. And why not - developers got to eat too!

The biggest problem (I have found) with most "mall style" freeware sites - and with some individual developers sites - which offer freeware lists in abundance, is that many merely list the freeware without any real critique as to which are excellent and easy to use - and which can cause serious damage if not used exactly as prescribed.

Another obvious problem is that computer based forum users generally write in when a Useful Utility or "Program Pal" turns HAL on them and they can't get the POD doors open.... <lol>

 

The assumption of risk of lack of "adequate support" goes for SHAREWARE programs as well as freeware. As with any product, it depends on the quality of the product maker. There is always a certain amount of risk when using any software that is downloaded from the web - whichever category you pick.

---

Why Do some FREEWARE Programs ask Users to REGISTER their Software?

---

Registration allows the program developer to keep you up-to-date with new versions of the software (just in case they discover any BUGS or conflicts with any particular Operating Systems) and helps the companies that produce FREEWARE software to plan their further development. The information you supply is generally not made available to any third parties. It should be noted with emphasis that any program downloaded from the Internet which asks for any fees at all is NOT FREEWARE.

Some "free" programs' developers may ASK for a small donation - (this is commonly called "DonationWare") but if they "require" a fee in order to continue using the program, regardless of what they classify their programs as on their sites - they are NOT freeware.

WHY YOU SHOULD - Consider installing an additional HARD DRIVE…

(that is if you decide to download a lot of program installations).

 As I am always adding additional freeware and shareware – the cost of installing an extra hard drive – or drive(s) is a miniscule expense and well worth it – especially when I consider how much damage I can unintentionally inflict to my C-Drive with a malevolent “crapware” app or utility...

I always use a separate hard drive to “try out” recent additions to my freeware (or shareware) library – for at least a few months –  before ever even considering adding the new programs or utilities to my precious C-Drive, where I keep all of the “tried and true” reliable and stable programs (not to mention all my more important DATA).

Even if you regularly “back up” all your data, it is a “pain in the arse” to have to initiate a full “reinstall” after some malevolent download installation goes SYBIL on you… <lol>

As for the "additional hard drive" tip - I highly recommend it to anyone, but particularly to those who frequently download program installations from the web. Even humungoid 120-200 GB hard drives are available these days for a reasonable price and are not at all that difficult to self-install.

For those on a tight budget or who might not even need a mega-huge HD I've seen 10-20 GB hard drives advertised recently for next to nothing - when factoring in the mail-in rebates, etc. 

Whatever you might decide on to pay for an extra HD; I believe it is well-worth the investment - especially when you consider the potential heartache you can avoid...

---

How do I actually download a freeware program?

---

When you get to the website that I have provided links - you are usually taken to the direct page where the download installation is located (as well as the descriptions of the software program) mirrors page with a list of download locations. Click on "Click here" to download the program. You will either be taken to another page where you will find a download link or a window will pop-up asking you what to do with the file. You should choose -Save the program and select the location to download it. Make sure you remember the location, you will need it later.

For FAR more information on the DOWNLOAD PROCESS you should Click Here

When downloaded, if the file has exe extension, that means it's an installation file and all you have to do is double-click it. If the extension is zip, that means that it's a zip file and you have to unzip it. I would recommend WinZip to unzip the files. When you have opened the zip file, you should see a file with exe extension, or filename like Setup.exe or Install.exe that you have to double click to start the installation. The installation should start and the program will install.

I still have trouble, what do I do?
You should always read the documentation that came with the program for troubleshooting. NEVER just download a program and install it without reading the instructions and the HELP files. Not taking this step is as ridiculous as sticking your finger in a light socket to see if the lamp is functioning or licking steak knives! <g>

While freeware developers by and large will help you with just about ANY problems that might genuinely come up while using their software - they do not - by and large - send a lightning fast solution. Most of them do their utmost to explain their programs either on the website and always in the provided help files. If you have to contact them - make sure that you accurately describe the problem | your operating system | your computers name and version - and make sure that you are honest about it when you contact them. I mean if the "difficulty" was your own making.

A word to the wise - learn as much as you can about your Windows operating system's Add or Remove Program section in the "Control Panel" before attempting to download anything at all!

The actual process is more fully explained in "Step-By-Step" detail at the following page on this site:
Downloading, Unzipping and Installing Software

Ever got to 99% of a 10MB download and got disconnected on your old 56k modem?

We all have... now, Download Resumer  is here to help. With Download Resumer you can resume broken downloads and be disconnected as many times as your ISP can manage, and still download a complete file. You can even download for half an hour every day until your download has been completed!

Features:
Auto-Resume
Download progress & speed
Disconnect many times and still get complete file
Turn off your PC and resume download another day

Click Here to Visit the d/l site: Download Resumer

By using Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel, you can perform a number of tasks--primarily, the task of installing an application from local media, such as a CD-ROM or floppy disk; a defined Active Directory

Active Directory
The Windows-based directory service. Active Directory stores information about objects on a network and makes this information available to users and network administrators. Active Directory gives network users access to permitted resources anywhere on the network using a single logon process. It provides network administrators with an intuitive, hierarchical view of the network and a single point of administration for all network objects location, for an assigned and published application on a corporate network; or the Internet.

You can also use Add or Remove Programs to remove or modify an existing application as well as sometimes (not always) to attempt to "repair" a damaged application.

Add or Remove Programs also offers the following features:

Provides users with a single user interface for managing and maintaining their programs.
Supports the installation of programs when a user has the program package (on local media), as well as installation from either a corporate or an Internet environment.
Exposes the Windows Installer component while maintaining support for other installation technologies.

Add/Remove Programs will only remove programs that were written specifically for compatibility with Windows operating systems. For other programs, make SURE to check the documentation to see if other files (such as .ini files) should be removed.

Many "lazy" or "rushed" developers sometimes create programs that cannot be accessed through the ADD/REMOVE panel - thereby leaving a slew of garbage on your computer - even after you have "uninstalled" the program "properly" (according to the program developer's instructions)

For this difficulty, I recommend two SHAREWARE programs to choose from. Both of these programs act as vacuum-cleaning cleansers for the dust and mildew that these lazy developers programs leave in your computer after you remove them.

While I generally can offer a FREEWARE alternative to most any paid program, I have yet to see a free program available for download from the internet which can accomplish computer dust-busting as safely and as well as either System Cleaner or System Mechanic.

Both work well however System Mechanic costs a bit more but does a far more thorough job in my opinion.

There are several FREEWARE computer cleaning utilities out there on the WEB. Disk Cleaner   comes to mind, but this utility is mostly for covering ones tracks while on (as well as after) or using the internet. Most FREE utilities I have seen do a poor job of thoroughly cleaning out all of the junk files which many freeware (as well as shareware) utilities and applications - and to top it off ALL of the ones I've seen should not be used by those computer users who are NEWBIES, as many of them can play absolute havoc with the Windows Registry.

The SEARCH for Free Software Available from the Internet

A general search will produce many sites, but general searches for free software often produce a lot what I call junkware over-bloated, outdated software which actually serves as little or no use for the computer user and takes up a TON of memory on your computer. Also many programs found on a random search by using a search engine are actually spyware and adware

Some of these programs and the sites which carry their products place tiny bits of information in your computer to monitor your surfing habits and tastes. Some also place things like cookies and other insidious things that may cause you to see a sudden increase in popups of advertising in your computer which increase the advertising for the seedier side of the 'Net.

If you have recently downloaded a freeware program and you are suddenly receiving a dramatic increase in popups it is a good bet that you have downloaded a program from a developer that has sold his soul to the advertising community.

 

---

Here, I have listed in more detail - some general categories
of free-for-download software,
and their respective shortcomings and advantages...

---

Freeware