Free Software Download-Is it Really Free?
Yes! a free software download is actually free. 
What people do not realise is that free comes with baggage you probably do not want or need!
Companies do not give away a free software download and expect nothing in return.
When you are asked for registration and to use an activation code to receive a free software download the personal information may be used to sell to 3rd parties for financial gain.
You will, more than likely end up on a email auto responder system and be bombarded with advertisements. Worse still, while reputable email companies offer a unsubscribe service many don't, and this can be extremely frustrating.
Much of a free software download can be time-sensitive, have a trail period or restrictive. While this method of marketing is obviously to get you to try the software, if you do not pay for an upgrade the reminders and advertising can really become annoying.
Many of the giants of the computer industry have massive sophisticated and advertising departments. This together with the awesome products they create and deliver is what made them great. The free software download that Microsoft offers for their office program is just that.
What people do not realise is that after downloading the massive free software download their computer will not support the requirements of the latest software.
A free software download in certain instances can overwrite previous versions which could be removed. Back-up is essential or you permanently lose you previous installation.
At the end of the day is a free software download a no-no? Certainly not!
There are many reputable companies on the Internet offering a free software download service which can be genuinely advantageous. The trick is to know where to look, how to analyse the offer and what the consequences are.
Free-ware: Normally a small, useful free software download program made available on the internet with the author's consent.
Share-ware: These are full software programs which you may use for a limited time period before paying for permanent availability. Alternatively these are programs offering a free software download but restricted. The full program is therefore only available after payment. It is possible that these restricted programs can still be useful.
Bottom line . You may know exactly what you are looking for, but many bogus programs and sites exist which may do damage to your computer, i.e. spy-ware and viruses which may even occur with genuine software from a dodgy supplier. Only use a free software download from a reputable source.
