February 7, 2012

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New Software

There is so many new software programs that are available, and many are free. Depending on what your need is, there is a software available online. For example, for those that have a desire to write and publish their own work, they can download a software application for Kindle and other e-book writing tools. Some of the best picture cropping tools are also available as they are free websites. Sites like Flikr, or Picnic are great ways to play with photos.

Having the Right Amount of Memory

Relationship between Enterprise Systems softwa...

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The right amount of memory and space on your harddrive is key to making sure that you will have optimal running capacity on your computer when you install the program. The best part though is that most programs will be able to detect your memory space and allow you to reallocate space so that you can use your computer with the most effeciency.

The perk about memory is that many of the applications that you need to run most of the functions that you enjoy can be used directly through a website. This means that there is not storage needed on your computer. However, the bandwidth might come into question. Some websites require a certain running speed from your internet provider in order to run properly.

Take a look at your computer system to make sure it can handle all of the applications that you need and use everyday. The final step is to make sure that your registries remain clean so that you can continue to use your favorite programs.

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Software Systems Tagged With: , ,

The Freeware Difference

Award ceremony of the II University Open Sourc...
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You are a master of the dollar – your every moment is dedicated to finding the best ways to spare your pennies and keep your savings secure. Technology, you are certain, is not meant to consume your profits (as it already consumes your attention). It is instead to be given freely, without the usual high costs and higher frustrations. And this, of course, has led you to seek out software that is without pricing, that is instead offered easily. You take it all, wanting to avoid the usual expense and instead create source codes that will do precisely what you need. But that, you soon discover, isn’t as simple as you thought it would be.

Because, although you chose freeware, you did not choose free and open software.

The difference between these ideas is often blurred. The names are almost identical and the meanings often overlap. But there are elements that distinguish them from each other and you must learn these to ensure that you make the proper choices.

Freeware: simply explained, freeware are programs that do not require your money. They can instead be downloaded without concern. They are not, however, always able to be changed. Their source codes can instead be heavily copyrighted. This allows them to be used but not modified or distributed.

Free and Open Software: unlike its freeware counterpart, this application can instead be altered. It is both free and unprotected; which ensures it can therefore be manipulated and then given to others. Its rules are vague and its limitations are almost non-existent.

This distinction is minimal, with many users commonly exchanging these terms, thinking them to be of the same purpose. They are not. While all free and open software can be considered freeware, all freeware cannot be considered both free and open. And this must be understood to guarantee that the selections you make are the ones you desire.

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Software, Explained

apps
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There is a misconception among the masses – those individuals unaware of the intricacies that dominate their computers, the essential (but too often overlooked) components that define software and its abilities. Programs, despite the assumptions, are not universal, extensions of the same needs, the same standards. Data is instead filtered through a variety of methods; each meant to ensure that a hard-drive does not collapse beneath the weight of its user’s demands. Software is not simply a name for every application. It is instead a diverse collection of intents. And understanding the difference between those intents is necessary. They must be learned before they can be used… or fixed.

It is a common error to attempt the same solutions on every piece of software. This only leads to complications, though. There are three distinct categories to be considered and each should be recognized for its particular duties. This is the only way to guarantee issues being solved. Should any appear, remember:

1. System software. Offering a foundation of support, system software provides aid throughout the entire computer. It controls the hardware, maintaining all functions and security procedures. It also determines where resources should be sent, should any problems occur, and controls memory. It is the most valuable of all elements.

2. Programming software. Ensuring that applications succeed, programming software offers assistance to all developmental components; such as linkers and compilers. It keeps all internal programs functioning. It is not to be confused with system software, which deals specifically with hardware. They are separate entities, despite their similar functions.

3. Application software. Unlike its counterparts, application software does not entail security issues or computer concerns. It instead deals only with the task-based functions; such as streaming videos, uploading images or creating spreadsheets. It is the most common of the three and the one most recognized by users.

Understanding the (sometimes subtle) difference between these programs is essential for any individual–however infrequent their time may be on the computer. Learn what these softwares represent and how they ultimately relate to you.

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Free Software: Security

Asturian Free Software Conceptual Map
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It’s the dreaded flicker of a screen, the sudden fade to black – your computer is stalled, its applications useless, its programs gone. You try the typical solutions; you punch all the necessary commands; but those do not work and you feel yourself begin to panic. That panic grows when you finally turn the system off completely, only to be horrified when it won’t flash back on. Your machine – the most precious of your possessions, the great connector between your home and the online world – is dead. You can’t revive it. You can’t even force a glimmer. There is nothing left but a blank monitor and the realization that you are without hope.

This is an all too tragic (but also all too common) scenario, forced by an equally tragic (and equally common) mistake: free software.

While none can deny the appeal of programs that require no payment or purchase, none can also deny the necessity of trust that must be placed within them. These are not company products, manufactured to appeal to the masses; meant to be secure and without complication. These are instead applications that have been changed again and again, sent out onto the virtual playground for any to select. And this can be dangerous.
Source codes can be easy to manipulate – and easier to still to infect with viruses. Malware, spy-ware and more can be placed within any free program; and you would not know this until it was far too late.

This is why precautions must therefore be taken. Before choosing any free software, be certain of its reputation. Read reviews and forum posts to determine if it is credible. You must also look for information on its creator, making sure that the identity has not been marked as dangerous. And, even if your search reveals nothing, be sure still that all important information is placed on back-up files. This will lessen the burden later.

Free software is important. It must simply be approached with care.

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Why Develop Freeware?

It’s no secret that people spend big bucks on software. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, consumers aren’t shy about popping open their wallets for something they want. So, why would a software developer spend months creating a piece of important software, only to give it away for free?

It takes time to develop quality software. A program like Filezilla, for example, is a useful tool. It is extremely sophisticated, and can perform most activities that a paid peer software can do. Yet Filezilla is completely free. The person who developed this software is no ordinary programmer. If he or she had used the time spent developing Filezilla to make money, that would translate into a lot of money. Also, frankly speaking, Filezilla is so good that regular users would not balk at having to pay a few dollars for it. Yet, it is completely free.

What might be the reason for this bounty?

Conspiracy theories abound. Some say that these developers insert trojans and viruses meant to steal data from your system. They argue that these free computer programs are developed by companies that are out to destroy their competition. These conjectures are untrue.

Some talented programmers actually develop software to help people. These programmers are so good that they can make a great product in very little time. Often, they develop a product for their own use, and then let people share it for free, thus creating freeware.

Sometimes this software is developed with a marketing concept in mind; usually, there will be an upgraded version of the free package available for a fee. If people find the free version useful, the hope is that they will gladly pay for more features.

Sometimes, free software is made to advertise a website and get some paid advertisements. This is a good way to make money for someone who is a smart programmer.

Filed Under: Developing Tools Tagged With: