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What is Freeware - Really   
     * Freeware *   Templates   Editors   Utilities 
By: Rob Atkinson

Freeware was originally meant to be exactly that - Free.  Not Shareware, Demos, Coupon Discounted or Time Limited Trialware. 
Anything listed on this site as Freeware, will be Free in the sense that no money is paid.  Adware (where you have to view Advertising when using the product) is not considered as Freeware and I rarely recommend.  Other terms connected with Freeware, are Optionware or Donationware and Postcardware.

You will find that Free programs listed have passed Evaluation based on the criteria at Potent Products and proven to be helpful.  Everyone is advised to read the Disclaimer before downloading or trying any programs.


Optionware & Donationware
These two are self-explanatory and while still being a Free program, give you the "Option" of "Donating" whatever you feel the program is worth to you.  Your donations will help to pay for previous work on the program and for future improvements, which you can also benefit from. 
The program Creator gets the benefit of knowing the program is a valuable resource to some people, and financial help for their work.  and all in all, it's a pretty good deal, knowing "you" get to set the price for what it's worth.


Postcardware
Other creators of these Free programs like to know where their programs are ending up, and request that you send them a Postcard.  Not a lot to ask for when you think about it. 
As the Sitemaster for Web Hosting Available and other sites, I get asked a lot of questions.  Once I was asked, "Why would someone create Free Programs?" My reply was "For the same reason people Volunteer."

Creators of Freeware volunteer their time, effort and resources to create something they think will be helpful.  I applaud these people (and all volunteers) as they have that special something which makes them feel good from helping others, with no expectation of financial reward.

And sending a Postcard to the person who asks for one, is a price I will pay gladly.  Even if they don't ask for one, send them one anyway.  Or let them know with an Email.  For those that offer a bigger - better - pay for version, well you may not get a Postcard, but if the program passes evaluation - you can expect a good write-up and I might even pay for the upgrade!


Evaluations
I have found Freeware programs that duplicate what Windows can already do, had bugs galore or screw up a computer in all kinds of ways. 
I have also found some excellent Freeware programs that were, or still are, on my computer.  These are the ones you'll find evaluations on and I hope you find helpful also.

It would be impossible for one site to list all the Freeware programs available, so I don't even try.  What I do is try them out and evaluate them.  I can guarantee that programs having made it through evaluations and end up on the recommend list, must indeed be a "Potent Product."


Disclaimer
Software evaluations are based on my personal use, and the comments or personal experience of others.  Evaluations are also based partly on the following: 
how well it works with Windows 95 & 98
how useful it is - really
the learning curve required to use it
Computers are machines setup to the individual preferences of the owner and operated according to their knowledge level.  Although every effort is made to make information understandable to all, we cannot be responsible for the use of, results of, or implementation, of any programs described or recommended at this site.

If you install any programs listed or recommended at this site, and you experience improvements in your Computer, then pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

If you experience problems, then us know and we will provide all the help we can. 

Final Note
I receive satisfaction in knowing I can provide or recommend good programs, to help people improve their quality of life.  And that this site, can and will, provide assistance to anyone experiencing problems with the Freeware programs listed.  


Important - Please Read!

This page contains links to ADWARE and SPYWARE, along with links to clean
freeware and shareware. Information is for reference only. I cannot vouch
for the accuracy of any comments other than my own. Please do further
reading and research before installing ANY software product.

Ads are not the only issue with Download Helpers. Functioning as browser
add-ons, they are also capable of phoning home and transmitting unnecessary
information without triggering firewall alerts. Paying for something may get
rid of ads but it doesn't guarantee an application is behaving itself.
Packet transmissions should be checked before trusting a Download Helper.

Warning: Using any ad-sponsored software with ad-serving functions removed
is not recommended, will likely cause the host software to stop working, may
cause programs to run erratically, may be ineffective, and may be illegal.
Using an alternative "clean" program instead of this type of solution is
recommended.

Caution: If you purchase and register Aureate Adware products, it's likely
you'll need to remove Aureate. See the Radiate/Aureate page for additional
info on removing Aureate. Using AD-aware or OptOut! to remove Aureate from
unlicensed products in order to use them without the ad serving feature is
not recommended (see warning above).


