Warez ...

For our very first article, we thought we would perhaps tell you about some terms that may or may not be using in our daily lives. The ordinary computer guy tends to use these terms rather casually. We would perhaps be better off knowing what these terms mean. [We don’t want to get into get into a losing argument with that geek next-door; he may not look dangerous, but he can mess up your computer system if he wishes to :fear: .]

As usual, no bullshit, so we won’t define the terms ‘computer’ or ‘keyboard’ for you. You’d better do your homework in those matters.

For a start we give you the major (and most common) types of programs that we may encounter.

Freeware :

Quite a tricky term, I believe, because it is so easily confused with ‘Free software’. I’ll get back to free software later. But a freeware refers to a software that is ‘free to use and redistribute’. You can use ALL features of the product without having to pay a single paisa. And you can hand the setup to your gorgeous neighbor without having legal issues [and act real smart while you do it ;)].

Free Software :

Ok, you head back after giving that chick a freeware, and you wonder why this aaRCan is making such a fuss about ‘free software’. The freeware gives you everything, right? Wrong. The freeware gives you all you need as a low-end user. The ‘free software’ hands you one more thing – source code.

You enjoy access to the code that keeps the program on its feet. You can view it, change it, boast about it, and maybe share your improvements with the computer community.

Why do it, you ask? It is just a way for people to ‘give something back’ to the computing community that they are part of. Sounds neat, doesn’t it? You can now modify the program, add your personal touches and really get that chick reeling on her heels.

Shareware :

After all that providing software to that girl ( and some flirting ;) ), it is time for some gaming!

You open that game you installed from this month’s CHIP CD, and a fearsome message pops up:’ Your trial period has expired! Click here to purchase.’ That game is nothing but a shareware.

Sharewares are ‘try and buy’ programs. They are often referred to as ‘demos’ or ‘trials’. These are basically advertisements of the original ‘full version’ program that comes for a price. The shareware program may have one or more restrictions put on it. It may a restriction on the number of time you can use the program, or the feature that you can use.

Open source:

[Oh man, when will this Cancer stop bugging me? I just want to get back to that girl… :S]

Strictly, ‘Open source’ is not a distinct type of software. It only means that the source code for the program is available with the program. As you may have noticed, all ‘Free software’ is Open source. Also, plenty of software that comes for a price comes with its source code bundled along with it.

We always recommend use of Free software and Open source. It is of course, not possible in certain fields. But with open source Operating Systems already in full swing, the day may not be far when open source software will be the sole way to go.

-Cancer