First I want to begin with a sincere THANK YOU GOTD!! Its a wonderful concept for people like myself that are disabled and have $$ troubles, because I love the new software as much as the next person and thanks to you I get to use it. Now my question is this; once activated and I'm using the software can I save the software to use again on the PC I originally downloaded it too ? Say if I had to do a re-install of my operating system and I saved the GOTD program on a CD-R, can I reinstall it for free on same PC or are we borrowing the software?
Thanks for your kindness,,
Paul D. Deptula
[closed]
Really only borrowing ? Am I wrong ?
(9 posts) (6 voices)-
cooldep
MemberPosted 17 years ago # -
Typically software that is sold commercially has a free version with a "time limit" and/or has "limited features" that you can download from various websites. To remove these limits you need to register with the developers which costs extra money.
Also by paying for the software, you are supporting the developer which allows the developer to continue improving the software and to provide support to the programs users. Obviously developers using this model to fund the continued development of the software, cannot afford to give away everything for free, as this would effectively destroy their ability to continue develop and improve their software.
However, developers of smaller (and not so small) software companies recognize the value in advertising and letting users try out their software without the limits of a "14 day trial period" or "without a print or save function". GiveAwayOfTheDay provides thousands of "discerning and mostly appreciative users" who will install and try out the new software.
If users like the software after using it for a while (the time period is up to the user) - they can register and receive some additional "benefits". These include updated or upgraded version (depending on the developers policy), support, a personalized registration code, and the ability to reinstall the software as required.
With this in mind, I think it is fair to say that GOTD's giveaway isn't to be confused as being "the same" as what you get when you pay $50 (or whatever) to the developer. The Giveaway is really permission to install a version of the software that is neither limited in features or usage period imposed by the program (like a 14 day trial).
Having said that - if you choose to uninstall the software, format your PC or remove the software then the giveaway is more-or-less over. Of course GOTD has a habit of revisiting some of the more popular past giveaways - so chances are the giveaway will eventually come around a second or third time. (You could always register, if you don't want to wait).
Backing up downloaded giveaways to a CD-R is not guaranteed to work, and we don't provide any support on trying to install "expired" giveaways". Of course, discussing how to "get around" restrictions in giveaways and how they are distributed, isn't using the software in the spirit it was offered, and nobody wants to give new developers "a reason" to bypass GOTD when considering if they want to offer some software for us all to try.
And once again, if you really like some giveaway software (or another product on the developers site), go ahead and register. If you can't afford the $$ to register, just send them an email and just say "thanks" - it takes 2 minutes, and means a lot when someone appreciates "what you do".
Posted 17 years ago # -
Theleecher
MemberFree software < true freeware
Giveaway of the days will last you one install, open source freeware will last you a lifetime.
I do like that suggestion though, the GAOTD software is lent, not given - describes it absolutely, and it would be a negative if this model were supported at the expense of 100% free (to keep) version-minus-x offerings, though there is no reason that one exposure raising model has to exclude others. Must admit, some coverdisk stuff now also has time limited registration, a very negative step!
Posted 17 years ago # -
I agree. There is a often one or more open source or freeware alternatives to the giveaway software. I think that the software recommendations from other users is one of the most useful aspects of this site. For many users, it introduces new pieces of software that they were not previously aware of, which opens up new ways of using their computers and learning new skills.
To say that GOTD software is lent, not given would be true - but unlike normal shareware and trials - the period the software "is lent" is determined by the user not by the developer. Also you are getting the whole program, not just a taste-test of a subset of the features.
The other advantage the likes of open source freeware has over giveaways is you can locate the software as you have a need for it. Giveaways you have no control over what is offered and when. It's more of a fun (or at times frustrating) way to try out a piece of software you may have never heard of. You may have no need or use for the software either. Lots of people just accumulate giveaways of software. It is probably fair to say that in most cases the software has never really been used after the initial "check", and lives on the hard disk until "one day, just in case".
Posted 17 years ago # -
triphammer
MemberBubby Wrote:
I think that the software recommendations from other users is one of the most useful aspects of this site.Same here... There's even times when I didn't like the giveaway but someone's suggestion of comparable freeware was exactly what I was looking for.
Posted 17 years ago # -
clobermier
MemberBubby Wrote:
I think that the software recommendations from other users is one of the most useful aspects of this site.Triphammer Wrote:
Same here... There's even times when I didn't like the giveaway but someone's suggestion of comparable freeware was exactly what I was looking for.I agree with you guys. Those software recommendations have led me to some great free software that does exactly what I needed.
Cindy
Posted 17 years ago # -
pauloparra
MemberHello,
I would like to mention that GAOTD offers a free library where you can find tons of freeware.
-Mario
Posted 17 years ago # -
cooldep
Memberthanks everyone for their replys. I DO really appreaciate the oportunity of using GAOTD, its a great idea and the recomendations for freeware is one of this sites BEST features. I hope I did not sound like I was not happy with the softwares use. Just was wondering if I did something wrong in registering. Thanks again everyone for their input. I'll look for some freeware now in the forum
~Paul
Posted 17 years ago # -
Theleecher
MemberThe freeware library is rather "cloudy" with things that range from limited "free" demo modes to the awful "free download".
Mind you, I tend to go by the most restrictive categorizations of alt.comp.freeware (must get back there, never got round to setting up newsreading on the new PC) where only freeware without restrictions is accepted to be called just "freeware".
Open source is the purest form of freeware.
Public domain is also a "pure" freeware.
Abandoned/old, released as freeware is also "pure", though "abandonwarez" is definitely NOT.Then you come to the limitations and restrictions section:
No commercial usage.
Registration required - even if free, results in a categorization of "registerware".Liteware - limited functions, but usable in context.
Crippleware - so limited as be unusable in any real sense - eg. 50 entry database.
Demo - critical functionality disabled - eg. save or print disabled.Posted 17 years ago #
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