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Computer Support For Individuals And Small Business |
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12/21/10 |
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Tips On Downloading Software From The Internet |
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One of the most convenient ways of acquiring software is to download it from the internet. Some is free and some must be purchased.
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In either case there are certain things to be aware of when downloading and installing (usually two separate processes).
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In regard to "free" software, there really is no free lunch. No product, including software, is entirely free. Developers must make a living, and somehow the piper must be paid. The same is actually true of most purchased software - it is inexpensive as it is because of other forms of compensation.
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Top Hat Techs provides links to useful, free software. Nevertheless, keep in mind the following in regard to such software:
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- Upgrade - Some of the vendors, while providing quality free software, will try to persuade the user to upgrade to a product which must be purchased. These attempts may begin on the web page from which the user is trying to download the free software (be careful to download the specific program you want to install). In a sense, what the user is getting is trial software without a time limit, but in many cases quite adequate for the user's needs. The user may decide to upgrade at some point but it is not mandatory.
- Toolbars - Some will provide an option to install some other type of software, such as a toolbar, along with the one the user is attempting to install. During the installation process a checkbox, pre-checked in many instances, will be presented asking for permission to install the secondary software. The user is under no obligation to accept the secondary software and should feel comfortable declining.
- Default Home Page - Similar to the item directly above, an option may be provided to reset the home page, often with a default of "yes." More often than not a user would not accept this option.
- Donations - It is not unusual for non-profit groups to solicit donations to support their efforts. If the user likes and uses the software, he/she may at some point wish to provide this assistance, but it is purely voluntary.
- Marketing - Underlying all such efforts is marketing. It is a silent hand that drives development and ultimately the cost of software. In addition to on-screen advertising, this includes such things as gathering marketing information through registration, cookies, tracking cookies, Flash cookies, etc.
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All the above applies to purchased software as well. But this is not all bad, actually quite the opposite. Though sometimes irritating, even frustrating, it keeps the costs low and helps companies provide better products and services. In this way it is similar to broadcast television. It would be nice to be able to watch shows without advertising, but that's what makes it free.
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