What is Freeware? – Facts and Myths
Find out the truth behind the most common misconceptions about freeware. Learn the advantages of freeware over paid software and trial software
When choosing the best video converter to use or dvd ripper software, we usually favor the paid software used or recommended by friends or is most popular in the web. However, if you are on a budget, this could be a bit of a problem and the best alternative for this is using a freeware.
While most users may think that the “paid software” has an upper hand regarding numerous debates on whether paid software is better than freeware, this article hopes to enlighten you about the popular myths on using a freeware.
All About Freeware – Freeware vs Paid Software
A freeware is a software that can be downloaded and used for free. It does not require any subscription or annual fee for usage.
Is it really free?
YES. You might wonder how freeware providers keep up with their expenses and maintenance. Well, since they provide non-profit products, they survive via advertisements posted on their website and donations from generous users.
Is freeware safe to download?
Honestly speaking, everything on cyber world poses a great risk and that is not limited to you download over the internet. Sadly, there are some freeware that contains malwares, such as spyware, which is why you should be very cautious. Always choose a free software that is certified safe and clean by reputable antivirus programs like AVG Antivirus.
Helpful Tip: All AVGO products are certified 100% safe and clean by AVG Antivirus like AVGO Free DVD Ripper.
Freeware is hard to use compared with paid software
Not all freeware is complicated. You will be surprised that most free software are user-friendly and has a nice, slick and pretty self-explanatory user interface.
For instance, from the interface of Free DVD Ripper, you can clearly see the “Quick Guide” for the software.
There is little or no support for free software
Contrary to popular opinion, almost all freeware providers have a “how to” page on their website and offer customer support. They can be quickly reached through their website (Contact page), email or social networking sites like Facebook.
Some, like AVGO, would even improve and release updates on their freeware depending on your suggestions and requirements.
Paid software has more features than freeware
This is not true at all. Freeware should never ever be confused with a “trial software” where additional software capabilities would be made accessible only upon purchase. With freeware, you can be assured that all features and capabilities are fully functional upon download regardless if you choose to give a donation or not.
Free software has a download limit and expiration
Again, this is absolutely false. Free software has no download or installation limit and it does not have an expiration date like that of any trial or paid software.
The Truth About Freeware 
To summarize it all, freeware is not a trial version of a paid software. It has all the functionalities, capabilities and features (sometimes more) of a paid software except that you don’t get to pay for it. However, be extra careful on the freeware you choose to download, make sure that it is has been approved by respected anti-virus software.
Lastly, you are not getting less of a product or service when you opt to download and use freeware, after all, the best things in life are FREE!