Free works
Software being download. Many applications are being distributed as freeware on the Internet. [Self-taken image]
Increasing amounts of free works are being made available online, including music, videos and software (also known as freeware). Users are usually free to copy, modify and redistribute such works at no cost. Sites such as Jumbo.com are repositories for such works.
Similarly, free games are also available. A list of such games can be found at GameHippo, and many other sites like Alex-Soft.net, Noodan, and cNet Download.com.
Back to topAdvantages
An obvious advantage of such free works is its negligible cost. This would certainly be a strong factor in deciding the popularity of free works, and its attractiveness as an alternative to copyright infringement.
Secondly, free works ensure no risk of breaching the law, since it is by nature open to copying, modification and distribution.
Lastly, free works are easily available online, and can be easily found and downloaded.
Back to topDisadvantages
The absence of free works on top popularity charts should come as no surprise. Inherently, the lack of financial incentives would certainly deter top talent from contributing to the freeware market.
Secondly, there is a limited variety of free works available; this is especially true for freeware. Compared to software available commercially, freeware often provides the bare essentials, and does not provide extra functions and frills which users might find useful.
The lack of a market and demand for freeware also means that due to low usage, developers are not encouraged to create derivative works, hence limiting the expansion potential of freeware, and raising possible compatibility issues with more established software. This in turn limits the potential of freeware.
