Freeware: meaning, definitions and examples
💻
freeware
[ ˈfriːwɛr ]
software distribution
Freeware is software that is available for use at no monetary cost. Unlike shareware or commercial software, freeware is distributed without any charge to the user. Typically, freeware can be used, modified, and shared, but the original copyright holder retains full ownership. Depending on the license, some freeware may come with restrictions on further distribution or modification. It serves as a means for software developers to promote their products or gain a user base without requiring immediate payment.
Synonyms
complimentary software, free software, no-cost software
Examples of usage
- Many users prefer freeware for their daily tasks.
- There are several freeware options available for photo editing.
- Freeware games can often provide great entertainment at no cost.
Translations
Translations of the word "freeware" in other languages:
🇵🇹 software livre
🇮🇳 फ्रीवेयर
🇩🇪 Freeware
🇮🇩 perangkat lunak gratis
🇺🇦 безкоштовне програмне забезпечення
🇵🇱 oprogramowanie freeware
🇯🇵 フリーウェア
🇫🇷 logiciel gratuit
🇪🇸 software gratuito
🇹🇷 ücretsiz yazılım
🇰🇷 프리웨어
🇸🇦 برمجيات مجانية
🇨🇿 freeware
🇸🇰 freeware
🇨🇳 免费软件
🇸🇮 prosto programsko opremo
🇮🇸 frítt hugbúnað
🇰🇿 тегін бағдарлама
🇬🇪 უფასო პროგრამული უზრუნველყოფა
🇦🇿 pulsuz proqram təminatı
🇲🇽 software gratuito
Etymology
The term 'freeware' combines 'free' and 'software' and originated in the 1980s. It was coined to refer to software that could be used without payment. This concept became increasingly common with the rise of personal computing and the internet, as developers sought to distribute their software more widely. In contrast to open-source software, which allows users to modify the code, freeware generally does not grant these rights, making it a distinct category. The proliferation of freeware has played a significant role in democratizing access to technology, allowing users from various backgrounds to utilize software tools without financial barriers. As technology continued to evolve, freeware has become an essential part of many users' software ecosystems, often serving as an introduction to new programs or companies.