A great deal of people seem to be looking into free software these days. Now, if they don’t come packed with viruses, that’s even better, isn’t it?
Why would you want to go out and buy something like Microsoft Word, when you can quickly google it and have a free rival program that’s just as good downloaded in seconds? Is this the new logic for a new millenium, and a new generation?
Sometimes, free software just isn’t that good and can’t compete with the professional level of software that Microsoft or Apple or any other Company could produce, simply because they were not built for fun; they were built for MONEY. And, the better the program, the more people will buy it, and so the larger a CEO’S wallet become. So, it’s quite simple. Make a good application; make a good profit. End of story.
But now. is the old fairy tale ending? More and more quality free applications are becoming available on the web. And, mind you, some are excellent. It would not be suprising if Bill Gates choked over how good some applications are/ or are becoming.
A good few examples are the Serif programs, which are available for free downloads (but at later stages, if you want to upgrade, it costs money), the Anim8or program by Steve Glanville, a semi-professional work-in-progress application which could one day rival the likes of 3D Studio Max, Maya, and Lightwave.
So, in the end, it is an interesting thing to ponder, isn’t it? Will free software become the world’s preferred programs? It’s up to you to think about it, and perhaps that’s part of the reason it hasn’t already happened.
November 12, 2007 at 3:54 pm
If you are interested in downloading some of the wonderful Serif line of *Free* programs, visit http://www.freeserifsoftware.com , and browse around. I certify there are no viruses associated with the applications, I have downloaded and used them myself.
-Wolf