How free is free software?
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com
The best things in life are free? Sorry, the adage doesn't necessarily apply to free software. In fact, too
often it comes down to another adage: You get what you pay for.
"A lot of the software that says it's free really
isn't," says computer consultant Shawn Kane, president of Kane
Networks in Barrie, Ont. "Most of the time free software is
a hook to entice you to buy the real version." In such cases, the
software expires or has limited functionality, which frustrates
users and propels them to take the next step and invest in the entire
package.
All systems not functional
"Sometimes companies offer a stripped-down version for free, which is adequate enough for some users," says Carl Roy, an Ottawa-based
computer consultant.
Internet security company AVG,
for example, offers popular free antivirus software. It's considered
a great product, but with limited functionality ---- it doesn't
have a handful of features included in the paid-version, such as
support, anti-spyware or anti-spam measures. If someone were to
download it and assume his system was completely protected, he'd
quickly run in to trouble.
"For viruses, it's extremely decent," says Roy, adding
that it has to be used in conjunction with other security software,
such as the free, anti-spyware version of Ad-Aware from Internet
security company
Lavasoft.
Find a reputable source
Experts warn that any time you download free software, you should ensure it's coming from a reputable source.
A simple Internet search will turn up free software for almost any application, including web browsing, office
suites, photo editing, music listening and other multimedia capabilities. Unless you've done your homework by talking to other
users or researching the developer, don't use it.
"There's a lot of so-called free software that includes a virus or spyware -- you really have to be careful," says
Roy. "If you're going to start downloading random things from the Internet, chances are you will encounter something malicious."
Consider compatibility
While the experts advise caution, they admit they use free software all the time.
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