Open Software, Freeware and Shareware

The following blog will be evaluating the discrepancies between open software, freeware and shareware. As I read over the designated compilation of material created by Dr. Wallace on these various types of software I realized quickly that I myself was not clear on the purpose of each of these ware’s. In this blog I want to cover some basic insight and how they are relevant to the classroom.

A basic explanation of open sourced software is code that is accessible for all users to inspect, copy and use. To qualify as open source, the licence must give the freedom to sell copies of the source code, and of the executables. In the classroom open source is one of the best way to warrant innovation from the student. Examples of open source software are Moodle, Linux and Mozilla Firefox.

When the term Freeware is used it is identified as freeware software that is still under copyright but available for no fee. Freeware is closed sourced. The two worded term free ware software is software that has restrictions and could come for a price. Freeware is very attainable for public schools for the fact that it is free. Some examples of Freeware are: Adobe Reader and Google Classroom.

Shareware software is copyrighted software that is available free of charge on a trail basis. The user can pay a fee for continued use and support. Shareware allows users to try the software in this way creates an interest in that program and allows people to try before they buy. This software is ideal for a classroom because if gives the teachers a students a chance to tryout the program before any money is spent. Norton Antivirus is an example I have used myself before acquiring the anti-virus or anti-malware software product.

I have shared a short video clarify between freeware and shareware.