Sites that are known for their great downloads in freeware and shareware are great finds. The problem is that there are so many out there. Which ones are good? Are they safe?
First Thing's First: What are you Looking For?
Then of course, you have to know how to find what you are looking for in order to get what you need. Before getting started on the sites, let’s go over what freeware and shareware are. Most programs for purchase are for a single user license, and you pay full retail price. Shareware includes programs that are for sale, but for an open license and at a much reduced price, generally less than $100. Hence shareware often manifests as free trials, demos and limited features applications. They don't cost anything to try, but for extended functionality, you have to buy a license.
What is Open Source?
Freeware was developed to be distributed for free, and is generally done on an open license. A specialized division of freeware is Open Source or OS. Expectedly, this includes free programs for which the actual source code is published online. Anyone can modify it as they wish. This may sound like a recipe for disaster, but some of the most popular free programs are produced by non-profit entities working with open source material. Among these programs is the Firefox Web Browser by Mozilla.
Here is a good link that recommends some of the best OS programs for Windows: http://www.opensourcewindows.org/
Going for Software and Drivers
So where do you go to find reliable information and downloads? Remember we're not only looking for safe software but for responsible and accurate reviews, without aggressive advertising. Here are some of the most reputable places to visit…
The guys at Major Geeks are good at finding the best deals in freeware and shareware. When you arrive on their home page, the most popular downloads appear in the middle of the page. On the left is a list of all the categories they have available and on the right is a list of links to additional information. One of those information links is labeled for new comers and gives a tour of Major Geeks; it is highly recommended that you take that tour on your first visit. It helps clear up many of the questions that first timers have. All downloads have been tested as safe.
Much more than just a place to find great freeware and shareware deals, CNET offers reviews of products from phones to appliances, expert advice on technology issues and of course, freeware and shareware downloads. On the left you will find lists of categories to check out, including editors’ picks and users’ picks to find what is considered the best by both sets of people and why. New information is in the middle, and on the right is a list of the most popular for the week.
At Brother Soft, find the software you need in freeware and shareware versions. Brother Soft has over 130,000 programs available broken down into categories ranging from security suites to games to office tools and even offers many programs for the new Windows 7 operating system. With over 80 editors to guide you to the right choice, Brother Soft is a great option to find freeware and shareware.
ZDNet promises to deliver a wide variety of software for download, including freeware, shareware, and purchase licensing. The top of the download page contains links to the most popular software, while the bottom of the page contains links to categories of software, which is broken down into useful sub-categories to make finding what you want even easier. In addition to software recommendations, ZDNet has expert advice on one of its many blogs.
At Snapfiles you can find freeware, shareware, and trials of software. Ranked by most popular, editors’ picks, and user recommendations, finding your favorite software is easy. Also check out the category of software you are looking for and get a brief description of the programs.
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