Odds are, at one point or another, you will download a free software product. In many cases, you might not need that product more than once or twice, so you do not see the need to purchase an app or program. I know that I have several apps and programs on my computer that I used maybe once, and never went back to again.
But lately, a thought has crossed my mind, as I am sure has crossed yours:
Why do companies make free software?
If you think about it on one level, it doesn't make sense to do it. The time and money invested in building a product, only to give it away. Even if there are no costs associated with updates or maintenance, they start off losing money,
I came up with four major reasons that a company would offer freeware - from noble to nefarious. Free software can be classified into 5 major reasons:
To sell you on a purchased version;
A social welfare reason;
Tech enthusiasts simply make them to make the experience of the Windows users easier
To earn money through advertisements;
And, of course, the always popular malware.
How many of us have downloaded free Windows 10 Store apps or software and found that the functionality was limited? We wanted the free PDF converter because we wanted to edit a PDF, only to find out that the feature was only available in the Pro version? I once downloaded a video editor just to make the opening credits to find out that I could make as many videos as I wanted, I just couldn't remove the watermark unless I bought the pro version.
It makes sense on a level. I am more likely to buy something I took for a test drive than something that I have never used.
There are people that design and release free products for a more social welfare reason. Apps to help identify sex offenders, to help people apply for and the like. The developers feel a social obligation to help society with their products.
Many of the free products come from the techies. The ones that love to improve the experience that a Windows 10 user has. They see a problem, a shortcoming, or just maybe an idea that will make Windows 10 a little better for the user.
They see a problem or shortcoming and want to improve it.
Of course, we have all downloaded the product that every free space is filled with an advertisement.
Want to convert your PDF, well first watch this video. Or click on this ad to help us keep this free.
In this case, I feel that it is a tradeoff, at what point has the inconvenience of all the ads to use the free software package worse than just buying it? Do you want the hassle? If you are going to use the product on occasion, you might not see the annoyance of the ads. However, consistent use, you must either be extremely patient, or extremely frugal.
Then we have those in the final category. Those who give the free software product market a bad name.
The malware-laden products. They create a free product that may be functional or not, with one simple goal in mind. They are after your computer. Either to steal information from you for whatever reason or to cause damage to your computer.
Some of you might remember one of the most famous of these from long before Windows 10: Bonzi Buddy. He was a cute purple monkey that lived on your desktop. Looked like fun, he told jokes, he helped you surf the web. He also spied on you. Using tracking software to see search history and the such.
Bonzai Buddy has been gone for years, but similar programs still find their way into unsuspecting hands.
There are many free Windows 10 Software out there. Many are very helpful and can fill a need you have either short term or long term. There are some that should be avoided. But they all have a reason for being there and free.
