What are the differences between three models of “free” software, and why does it matter?

With all the excitement, many people are actually confusing open source software with two other models of “free” software–with potentially serious consequences. Here, we’ll try to clear it up.

Freeware

The word “freeware” has been so overused, its meaning is no longer clear. Today it is often synonymous with “shareware,” but for our purposes, I will define “freeware” as “software which can be downloaded, used, and copied without restrictions.” (See this definition.)

Legally, the difference between freeware and open source is that you do not have access to the source code. Organizationally, this makes a big difference: There is no community and no development infrastructure around “freeware” as there is around open source software. Thus, while you can use freeware “as is,” there is no real way to improve upon it or obtain support for it.

Thus, freeware is “free” as in those “Free Treadmill” classified advertisements.

Shareware

Shareware is a different concept. You can download and try shareware for free, but if you use it, you are supposed to pay for it. It is developed and released by someone who keeps full control of the intellectual property. The user does not have access to the source code and cannot modify it. There is also no collaboration or community around shareware.

In the end, the only difference between shareware and commercial software is that you can download and try shareware for free. Like commercial software, you are utlimately dependent on the developer of shareware for enhancements and support.

Thus, shareware is “free” as in “Free Sample” at restaurants or grocery stores. Read the rest of this entry »

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